We're all subject to growing up, and while we gain freedom and figure out who we are, there's always going to be this part of us that wants to go back to when everything was more straightforward. We go through many things, good and bad, that mold us into different people. While we should hope to be proud of who we're growing to be, we idealize our past as it gets further, fantasize about our youth, and sometimes miss how bright, and hopeful we used to be. "story for you" by VALDIS talks about exactly that. With an emotional pop ballad paired with nostalgic lyrics and her stunningly airy voice--we're brought to the feeling of missing who we used to be. Click here to listen to "story of you"! There's something emotional with piano ballads. There's already so much we can say within a song, but with the inclusion of a piano-based melody, we're instantly transported to a calm state-- forced to focus on the meaning behind the music. When we do, it envelops us. "story of you" starts with an enamoring piano melody, the track bringing us into a melancholy vibe. The notes meld together to keep the tone deep and dark, but with VALDIS' voice, we're seeing her juxtapose this to make it feel hopeful. She sings, "I'm caught in a minute/Let me stay right in it" asking for time to pause and let us live in the blissful feeling of the past. With this, she brings in echo-y vocals and sounds throughout the song to reverberate this feeling through us, which perfectly establishes the lyrics in the setting. Coming from a small town in northern Iceland, VALDIS releases her new single, "story for you". This 22-year-old singer/songwriter grew up listening to all different genres of music and has worked on singing since she could remember. She's established herself as a prominent female voice within the music industry with her music. She plays on the contemporary pop sound with deep basslines, honest lyrics, and sentimental vocals. VALDIS shows listeners a vulnerability with her music by writing from the heart--letting her past life experiences heavily influence her songs and captivates fans with the relatable quality she holds. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW VALDIS:

Flashing lights inspired by the color scheme of pastel chalk packs paint the walls of the club in my head. It's about 11 pm and I'm about one drink away from the ideal state for a night out as I swing beads of sweat onto the club floor, switching between my best attempts to kink my neck muscles and singing against booming speakers that drown out my voice. The crowd pulses and bounces as the waves of sound push their way through the masses. I've never been clubbing in Miami, but I'd imagine this would be how it feels, or at least how it should feel. Listen to "Close To Me" here! Dreamy synths and understated piano introduce the track before the vocals enter alongside a slow, bass-driven crescendo. A slight moment of suspension holds back a drop into the upbeat world of rolling drum loops and hi-hats to induce the head bops. A feature from collaborator Trap Papi is punchy and tongue-in-cheek, reminiscent of Childish Gambino's earlier, rap-focused projects. The layered production, vibrant and infectious, is paired with a ranged vocal performance that showcases poignant lyricism and musicality. Aryan Chowdhury, releasing music under the moniker ARYAN, is an independent Florida-based rapper of Bengali descent who pulls from a wide variety of influences in his production work. He is particularly inspired by the depths of the mixing and mastering in the work of some of modern hip-hop's great artists including Kanye West, Andre 3000, and Kendrick Lamar. ARYAN came to music production in 2019 with a blank slate and in a few short years, he not only has a firm grip on the fundamentals of production that establish a rich sound but also on a curated, unique personal brand complete with both structure and flair. Keep an ear out for his upcoming album, "Redacted". Written By George McSherry FOLLOW ARYAN:

In bouts of loneliness, it is not unusual to cling onto the first stranger who happens to be in your exact lonesome predicament. Galaxy Thief's "Reason" conveys the sorrowful blues of being alone in a bar and drinking away the turmoil while being accompanied by a stranger. Sometimes, knowing someone shares the same feelings of desolation and isolation can be enough to pull us out from depressive lows and inwardly sour moods. Heavily leaning into a pop-rock aesthetic, "Reason" starts soft and solemn with reflective, detailed lyrics about a lonely experience at a bar. Gradually, the track embraces poppy, preppy guitars and swells into this grandiose anthem about running away and conquering the world with a stranger from the bar. "Why don't we just try to get away?" croons lead singer Rhys Messenger potently, a statement of zeal and desperation to escape the troubles of the world. With hints of hopefulness scattered throughout the song, "Reason" serves as an anthemic love piece that proves that having someone to help you weather the toughest storms can make all the difference. Inspired by the likes of The 1975 and The Band CAMINO, Galaxy Thief offers their own eccentric styling of pop-rock music. Since 2017, the UK group has pumped out their own EPs and singles, frequented festivals and well-known venues and are known for their vivacious live performances. 2018's "Mind Games" EP was their initial footing into the music industry, followed by 2019's "Fires You Can't Put Out" EP and since then, the group continued to consistently release singles recording in their own homemade studio near South Coast. Written By Fatimah Bouri FOLLOW GALAXY THIEF:

If you ever felt trapped in a relationship, unable to use your voice, you should definitely give the song "Don't Make Me Sing," by Justin Llamas a listen. With its heart-tugging lyrics combined with the catchy accompaniment; it truly emphasizes the effects that poor communication has in a relationship. When Justin Llamas sings the chorus in his new song "Don't Make Me Sing," it illustrates and symbolizes him or other partners in a relationship arguing with their significant other over poor communication translating to, 'Please don't push me to a point where I will say something hurtful and then you (other partner) will switch the blame on me, making it look like I am bad one.' basically gaslighting the other person. The music within the song also plays a part in creating an emotional connection with the listener where it gets louder and softer depending if Llamas is at the chorus (LOUD) expressing his compassion and frustration to his partner or at the verses (SOFT) where he is inside his head trying to recollect his thoughts before he says what he needs to be said. This song would feel right at home with a John Legend or NSYNC release. Born in the Bay Area of California, Justin Llamas is an actor, voice actor, and music recording artist. He earned his performing debut on the popular streaming site YouTube, and has been producing chart-topping cover videos for years since as well as a loyal fan base across multiple platforms. As stated, "Justin's original music can be described as 'Versatile Pop,' spanning acoustic melodies to hard-hitting synths. His work has received compliments from the likes of L.A. Reid, Terry Lewis, Jimmy Jam, and Babyface." To follow Justin Llamas' Journey his socials are down below! Written By Troy Sica FOLLOW JUSTIN LLAMAS:

There's a lot that we associate with the age of 21. It's the age when we can start to go to clubs, it represents freedom, and most importantly, it sets itself up to be a milestone we all look forward to. With the pandemic in our recent past, we can only see how it affected our ability to truly live out the age as we're told we should. So, with a road trip vibe, fun melody, and amazing vocals, Madisyn Gifford comes out with the song "21" explaining how she feels like hers wasn't what it was supposed to be. Wishing for the excitement that comes with this age of freedom--Gifford states, "I missed out on 21", which is a relatable feeling for so many young adults at this time with the pandemic close behind us. Madisyn Gifford shows us that while she wrote this song, it was a time she didn't think her twenty-first year would meet her expectations, but luckily with the scenes we can see within her music video for the song, she got the chance to make the most out of her second half. Looking at the lyrics, we can see her say, "When's my time to start/almost taste it" which at the time probably read like disappointment, where it was so close but just out of reach. However, paired with the music video, we can see it takes a new perspective-- realizing that we can make the most of our time despite the circumstances and while being 21 only lasts a year, maybe it's more than just age--but a mindset of making memories that will last a lifetime. Hailing from Vancouver, Madisyn Gifford is a singer/songwriter in her early 20's, giving fans introspective takes on life. She takes the indie-folk pop sound on with her airy and powerful voice, alluring melodies, and lyrics that captivate listeners. With her relatable and authentic songs, she steadily grows her fan base with evidence coming from her project streams, such as her debut EP, Learning to Exist, and debut LP, I hate your guts, combining to make over 550k streams on Spotify and over 1.2M views on Youtube. Gifford brings forth energy we can't find anywhere else and fascinates listeners turning them into her fans. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW MADISYN GIFFORD:

LANI discusses topics involving mortality, leaving a mark on the world, and being afraid of the inevitable on her new track "Scared." The track is a beautiful, and insightful track on making the best out of the forces we cannot control. LANI lets us know that it's okay to be scared of the end, but in the time between then and now you have the opportunity to leave a mark on this world through your actions. It's about leaving a legacy and a mark on this world that lets us become immortal. The track starts with a beautiful piano instrumental, that progressively builds. After the first chorus, instruments like synth strings are added. Even the sound of a shaker that reminds the listener of a clock ticking helps build the song. We can also hear a detuned voice effect under the second verse that creates an amazing atmosphere. However, the most beautiful part of the track is LANI's soaring voice. It is unapologetically raw, emotional, and unique to her. You can feel she's delivering this song to us from her very soul. In the last chorus of the track, LANI delivers a heart-wrenching belt over a key change that sends it to another level. The lyrics dive into topics such as vulnerability, "They say // In this life we get to choose how // We get hurt, who we allow to bruise // I must admit, I never chose myself, I never thought that would be what I'd become." She also discusses the topic of mortality which can be scary to anyone. LANI, however, lets us know that depending on how we cope with this realization, we can build something to leave behind that is infinite, "Us we know // There is no eternity // But we can find // Our house lives of infinity in ourselves // In our minds // And what we hold close to our chest // I hope that I've shown the world my best." LANI even lets us know that she is scared of this herself, "Cause I'm so scared // Of losing everything I've built // Halfway there // Deciding I won't waste my guilt." LANI is an up-and-coming alt-pop artist based in Birmingham, United Kingdom. "Scared" is her first single of 2022. It follows her debut EP entitled "Parables," which featured the track "Drank That Night" from April 2021. LANI has been creating music that is uniquely hers, and talks to the human psyche in the best way possible. LANI is an artist that will for sure to take off fast, and you do not want to miss this! Written By Kyle Stiver FOLLOW LANI:

“Like the Holidays” is the perfect summertime pop-jam about putting your worries aside and just living each day like it’s a holiday. The best times among the cyclical work day are always the holidays; to know that on this day, you should have been working, but aren’t because it’s a vacation. But when you live every single day of your life like a holiday, then you feel a sense of ease and relief, the stress of your back. This song is full of cheerful horns and swinging rhythms. The chorus is positively infectious and just the first tones of it melt all of your stress away. The catchy synth hooks and saccharine-sweet vocals provide a rush of endorphins into a song that just makes you want to stand up and dance. “Like the Holidays” is a perfect break from reality that soothes your soul and encourages you to like every day like the holidays. The Astronomers are a Wisconsin-based duo who’s known for challenging the alt-pop space with their synthesis of unconventional elements in each track. They’re known for creating highly energetic singles that lead into awesome performances, complete with bouncy production and plucky vocals. Their genuine small-town pop duo with big sounds like trumpets, vocals with cool effects, and piano sending chills down your spine are only part of the allure of this out-of-this-world duo. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW THE ASTRONOMERS:

I am in love with your new single “Good Love”! It made me feel all warm and cozy inside and I can’t get enough! Can you share the story behind this track and a bit about the songwriting process? Meiko: Thank you! I wrote it because I was feeling very grateful to be in love and to live this life in love with my husband and son (and baby on the way…) I dont write a ton of happy songs, but this one just flooded out of me. I wrote it in under 20 minutes… What is one of your favorite memories from when you were younger and music first found its way into your life? Meiko: I used to practice playing guitar with my dad at the kitchen table. He would show me a couple of chords and I’d come back in a few days with the chords memorised and with a song written. I would play it for him and he’s get teary eyed… This was my way of communicating to him what I was going through at the time. I saw on your Instagram you recently moved to London which is so cool! Definitely on my bucket list of places to visit! How have the last few months been since you made the big move? Meiko: I love it here! It’s very busy. Lots of things to do and people to see… You really have to have a ton of energy to be here or you’ll burn out. I’m trying to take it easy… Overall- It’s my happy place and I can see being here for a while. I know you’ve had a bunch of your songs over the years featured on popular TV shows, like Grey’s Anatomy and One Tree Hill, so is there a show currently airing you’d want “Good Love” to be featured in? Meiko: I don't watch much current TV but any show would be great haha. What would you say is the proudest moment in your career thus far? Meiko: Having a #1 song on the radio in Japan and going there to perform multiple times and reconnecting with my grandmother's side of the family and my heritage. Do you have any advice for anyone just wanting to start their career in music and not knowing where to begin? Meiko: Play as much as possible to anyone and everyone who will listen... Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW MEIKO:

On the surface, Maddie Ettrich’s “Decaying Candles” talks about the morning after an incredibly fun party. The dance floor, with empty cups and drink stains, looks different in the morning light. The same is true for decorations that have fallen onto the floor in every which way. Both of these elements serve to remind us of the fun that was had. Knowing that the fun is now over can be a source of sadness. When listening to the song, I thought the party was really a symbol of life in general. Throughout our lives the happy times seem fleeting. However, Ettrich reminds us that “the seasons go, and they come back again. Nothing really ends.” I really enjoyed how Ettrich used sound and instrumentation. At the beginning of the song, there is the sound of people talking which stops as soon as Ettrich begins singing. The detail is subtle, but it really does justice to the song’s title. After all, Ettrich does sing about how fun the party is, so it is only fitting to add an illustration of that fun. Similarly, in the first verse, she sings about a lingering party ghost. She uses the “ooh” harmonies to represent his presence. Another aspect of the song that I liked was Ettrich’s voice. I thought it flowed with the instrumentation. Maddie Ettrich is an indie-pop singer/songwriter who was born in Canada. She now resides in Nashville, TN. It’s hard to believe that “Decaying Candles” is only her first single! It’s safe to say that she started off with a bang. I can’t wait to hear what else she has in store! Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW MADDIE ETTRICH:

There are times when we get the sense to step back from our life, take in the moment we've found ourselves in, and appreciate the things we've been through to get there. We go through a lot of struggles, and sometimes our days resemble rollercoasters with all of their ups and downs, but one lesson we learn from it is that while the world changes, we change with it. We're not the ignorant child we once were, thanks to everything we've been through, good and bad. However, it never hurts to have a good soundtrack to make the bad a little better, so my first song recommendation is "midwest blues" by nobody likes you pat, or Pat Kiloran. Now, music videos don't always do the music justice, but that's not the case with "midwest blues". With a nostalgic feel, the official video gives us the feeling of stepping back and being in awe of everything we've accomplished. There's a journey that Kiloran takes us on with the music, the video only standing to complement the dreamy and tranquil sound he achieves. Kiloran's voice has a soft quality to it, perfectly melding with the lighthearted melody and honest lyrics, pushing the feeling of calm through. There's one lyric that particularly does an excellent job of this: "Seems like every couple years/I'm somebody brand new". It describes the progress from growing up, realizing that our younger self would never recognize us, and knowing that it's always for the better. The gentle-sounding track combines this honesty with heartfelt melodies and matches the mood of being with the best people and part of the best moments in life. nobody likes you pat, or Pat Kiloran, is a Saint Paul, Minnesota-based singer, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and so much more. He aims to be honest with his experiences, showing his growth and sharing with his listeners in a way that inspires them. He holds a comfortable and nostalgic feeling with his music, giving fans a space to relate and connect to him more intimately. But Kiloran does more than share his own experiences--he's worked, written, and produced music for countless artists, labels, and companies such as TXT, Jin of BTS, Jordan Davis, Disney, Netflix, and more. He returned with this latest single, "midwest blues" on July 8th and left eager fans awaiting more music with his announcement of his debut LP "imago" set to come out November 18th. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW NOBODY LIKES YOU PAT:

We’ve all heard of the relationship failures and falling outs, but how many of us can also say we’ve experienced this with a friendship? “Best Fake Friend” is about a real plot twist that happens with your friend. Usually, we never think of not being with our BFF, we never think of an end. But people change and surprise you by being fake after all. Talking behind your back, being jealous, fake smiles and spreading rumors, newsflash– FAKE! This new single released by KRYSTOF, was intended to close a chapter in his life and help him move on from a toxic past. “Best Fake Friend” is a slow, dreamy, soft pop track full of elongated melodic lines and sweet vocals. The synth heavy tune is relaxed until the buildup to the chorus where drum set enters the scene to add a bit of pick up. The main focus of the song is on the vocals. For the most part, the electronic bass lines are soft and in the background, setting the stage for KRYSTOF to shine. KRYSTOF has a nice tenor range in his singing and sounds similar to that of other pop icons such as Troye Sivan and LANY. The single runs at a time of only 2 minutes and 33 seconds, keeping it short and sweet. I think it’s nice that the song isn’t too drawn out, it gives you time to reflect on the past and then move on. This Austria based singer/songwriter has been around music since birth. Having come from a musical family where his mother was a professional folk-singer, KRYSTOF has always had a love for the arts. Starting at the age of 5 KRYSTOF expressed himself through music and at the age of 14 he wrote his first song with self-learning guitar chords. Promoting his song covers on Instagram back in 2016, led him to gain a Spotify and YouTube following from across 75 countries. Since 2020, he has been taking vocal lessons to perfect his craft further. KRYSTOF had his big break after being discovered on Instagram by A&R manager Jazz Egger. Since then, KRYSTOF has signed with the Viennese record label, Global Rockstar. Continuing to release popular tracks, KRYSTOF is headed in the direction of fame! Written By Emily Hancock FOLLOW KRYSTOF:

“No Is A Nice Word” is a pop jam with a strong underlying message; no is a nice word. Taking place shortly before two lovers go on different paths, the song highlights the importance of clear communication and boundaries. It is not rude to say no, especially to those who love and care for you. It’s important for you to say no to things that make you uncomfortable to respect yourself and those around you. Though the song begins almost melancholically, it gradually rises, fuelled by the epic guitar solo in the background. 7000apart carefully choose words to craft the narrative of a feeling right after a breakup, where you’re upset and unsure of your own actions. With a catchy and hard-hitting hook, the song has you take a pause and look at exactly what your boundaries are and whether they’re being crossed. 7000apart is a husband-wife pop sensation with a high school love story, international presence, and heartwarming obstacles. When Amelie Eiding left her hometown of Stockholm, Sweden to attend high school as an exchange student in Green Bay, Wisconsin, she met her husband, Jon Kresin and their love blossomed. Once she returned to Sweden, the couple started a creative project called 7000apart, referring to the 7,000 kilometers of distance between them. After three years of navigating the difficulties of long-distance and cross-continental trips, the couple reunited and married in 2016. 7000apart has now turned into a serious artistic endeavor, and their music concentrates on personal struggles that relay a universal message and mental health awareness. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW 7000APART: