'Fool's Gold' sits curiously at the intersection of uplifting and melancholic. The track will have you brooding, but with a smile on your face as it pulls some slick, sharpened memories to the forefront of your mind, only to dull their blades through the relatability that proves you are not alone in your hardships, romantic or otherwise. Though perfectly suited for contemplative listening through headphones with eyes closed, the song's versatility is undeniable. It would find a place to squeeze into for just about any vibe. Smooth electronic production underpins the track allowing the fine-tuned elements of R&B and bedroom pop to shine through. Pitched-up croons that detail the frustration of wasted love reverberate above the boom-bap drum loops and waves of bass that bolster the energetic chorus. Steel drums filter in to provide a tropical feel post-chorus, closing out the catharsis of the song in tangible positivity. Having previously released music under the moniker Lucq, Luc as Rich is the mental health project of Amsterdam-based producer and singer where he aims to prove that his search for wealth is immaterial, finding true value in his music and the experiences that come along with his artistic journey. He seeks to replicate the degree of charm and emotion ascribed to fairy tales, placing heavy emphasis on visuals to compliment the music and better connect with his audience during live performances. Written By George McSherry FOLLOW LUC AS RICH:

WARNING: THIS ARTICLE MAY CONTAIN SENSITIVE SUBJECTS FOR SOME Mackenzie Day describes her frustrations on how ignorant the world can be on the topic of mental health in her new song "Code: Red (7 Years)." Day depicts the struggle of someone close to her in the pop-punk tinged track. The topic of mental health has been seen as taboo, which people turn away from. Day wants people to realize that this is an ongoing issue that we can not ignore. It is an illness that plagues many people, including the situation and loved one she describes in the track. The track features a pop-punk instrumental with guitars, drums, and Day's vocals at the forefront of the track. Again, before we delve into the lyricism of the track, some subject matter may be triggering to some. As the track opens, Day sets up the message of the song with the lyric "There's too much going on // All at once // She's losing touch // With everyone // Finally the adults are paying attention // Only took a darker depression." Day is describing the struggles that the person is having internally, and how it has taken so long for people to listen to their calls for help. We move into the pre-chorus of the song in which you can hear the frustration grow in Day's vocals about how long this has been building up, "Now everyone is calling, calling it code: red // They finally saw some blood, now they turn their slow heads // Why did it take cutting it deep to say she needs help seriously? // It's been seven years, in the making." In the chorus, Day lets us know she's been there the entire time for this person, "Oh, I've been here." In the second verse of the song, Day tells us how family, relatives, and even the people around her have been calling trying to figure out the story now that they aren't being ignorant to it, "I'm getting calls and voice mails from Mom, my relatives // They all have questions, not to mention, its a bit invasive." Day brings awareness through telling the tragedy, that we cannot be ignorant to these issues that plague our society. Mackenzie Day is an up-and-coming alt/pop artist. She has quickly released an impressive discography. "Code: Red (7 Years)" is her third single this year, and it comes soon after "My Psychic Said" and "Stuck In The Wrong Movie." Day released her debut EP in 2020 called "Bitter End" which featured the viral track "Breathe Out" with Lizzy McAlpine. Day is planning on releasing her new album this year, and we are so excited to see what comes next! Written By Kyle Stiver FOLLOW MACKENZIE DAY:

We live in a reality taken over by social media, and it's more complicated than ever to tell what's fake from what's real-- but this isn't just online; it's everywhere. It isn't easy to share who you are and what you feel because it's tempting to spare others' feelings and tell them what they want to hear. This isolates us from our authentic selves, especially in the eyes of people we care about. Romano knows that this isn't just her, and with her debut single, "okay, not okay" she dives headfirst into this idea, telling listeners that "I'm alone like you/in a crowded room/been to every party, lie and say they're okay too". "okay, not okay" is truly a song to get lost in. With a muffled electronic sound and melodic beat, this track transports you to a room where it's just you and your thoughts, the song filling in the gaps and vibrating through your mind. While it is effortlessly catchy, Romano talks about things that are hard to hear and even harder to share. The world prioritizes authenticity nowadays, as seen through her words, "I just wish someone would be honest with me/honestly, it all seems fake" but to let all of your walls down and let go of what you're feeling is more complicated than one would think. Currently based in Los Angeles, California, Liv Romano makes her start by giving us "okay, not okay". But even before releasing her first single, Romano has been ahead of the game--sharing her songwriting and release journey through her social media. Her debut single, "okay, not okay" was released on June 30th, and with it, the Florida-born singer/songwriter garners fans that are already patiently awaiting more stunning tracks. Written By Jane Katryn FOLLOW LIV ROMANO:

A specific mood lives in the late-night hours of the day alone in one's bedroom, and this new release, "GIRL" by Georgia Hoareau, brings the vulnerability in those hours to the surface. Delving into the topic of moving on from a past relationship, Hoareau details how we can't help but think back on the moments that made us love being with them and find that tiny spark of wanting it back even if we know it's for the best. Hoareau brings a new definition to feeling your emotions with uplifting drums, dynamic guitar, and bass. With "GIRL" we can see the start of the soundtrack of wanting to get everything off your chest in the fieriest of ways. With a passionate, hard-hitting melody and powerful vocals, Georgia Hoareau's new song, "GIRL" resonates deep within the human psyche. Even knowing that we should move on from the things that will live only in our past, there's always going to be that little bit of hope that manifests in the form of reminiscing. This reflective single opens with the line, "I'll be honest, it still hurts" and shows just that-- that it's over, we know it, and we don't want it to start again; however, we can't help but think about the happiness it gave us over the hurt. With the echoing background vocals, Hoareau effectively makes this new single reverberate through our bodies, emphasizing the emotions she put into the lyrics and making this track tear-rendering in the best way possible. Georgia Hoareau is an 18-year-old singer/songwriter from Gold Coast, Queensland. "GIRL" is Hoareau's third single, showcasing her soulful voice with a bedroom pop track. Working with her fantastic band, consisting of her brother and guitarist, Will Hoareau, bassist Harry J Hart, and drummer Jay Wolfe, we are granted a combination to give stunning and energetic performances that are sure not to disappoint. Working on her first EP set to come out later this year, we can see what to expect by listening to her three already released singles, "17", "Therapy", and this new release, "GIRL". Hoareau's music juxtaposes light, airy melodies with heartfelt lyrics, a unique combination making her stand out from the rest of today's emerging artists. Written By Jane Katryn FOLLOW GEORGIA HOAREAU:

"on your sleeve" is all about when you instantly click with someone and immediately fall for them. It's evident that you both are really into each other, and you can't stay away from one another. Even though you can sense that they feel the same way, you want to be able to get confirmation from them that the feelings are mutual. It's important that you both confirm your feelings for one another, so you both are able to move forward in life together. Nightly crafted this wonderful piece that gives listeners all the feelings of new love along with a cool melody to chill out to. Even though this song gives off some calmer vibes, there is still such a strong sense of passion that the band gives off through their lyricism and vocals. The melody in "on your sleeve" has a powerful rhythm mixed with some celestial tones. The beat stays consistently strong throughout the piece, and the melody switches up a couple of times throughout the song. In the intro most of the melody is already introduced, then it lightens up during the pre-chorus, and then all that power comes back for the chorus itself. This makes the most important parts of the song more impactful and perfectly highlights the vocals and lyrics. There's a part right before the final chorus that allows for a bit of a guitar solo which electrifies the song. As for the vocals and lyrics, both sound full of emotion and blend beautifully with the melody that they crafted. Their lyrics roll off your tongue so nicely and are crafted in such a way that they just get stuck in your head. I personally love the line" so say what you wanna say what you wanna say to me" because like a lot of other lines in the song, it's just fun to sing. This song overall has such a lively air to it and energizes listeners. Nightly consists of artists Jonathan Capeci, Joey Beretta, and Nicholas Sainato. Jonathan and Joey are cousins who grew up near Philadelphia and spent their youth playing in bands. Once they became young adults, they decided to move to Nashville to pursue a career in music. Jonathan and Nicholas teamed up with Nicholas, signed with Interscope Records, and began working on their debut EP as Nightly. Their debut was a hit, with their famous song "XO" reaching two million streams over the course of a few weeks. They began touring, opening for artists including Ke$ha, The All-American Rejects, and Zella Day. In the following years, Nightly embarked on their first headline tour, signed a record deal with BMG, and released their debut album night, love you. Written By Melina Darlas FOLLOW NIGHTLY:

Music is a powerful tool, bringing people to feel certain emotions and talk about complex issues. When talking about music, there are also some songs that make you want to dance, some you'd hear in the best clubs, and ones that make you think of someone special. "Obsessed" by Maxyme just so happens to be all three of them. With a club beat and fun lyrics, this upbeat pop song makes for a vibe that is just welcoming someone to dance to it-- which, in my opinion, is one of the best types of songs to bring you right out of a funk. Now, one of my favorite parts of this song has to be the electric club sound. As someone who loves to dance as if no one is watching, this dance-y pop track is a perfect background for these moments. But "Obsessed" is versatile--while I can vividly imagine people in a club bopping to this intense beat with this visualizer (shown above), I can't help but want to travel to it. The lyrics, "Do you ever dream/about the night when we first danced/The party lights the scene/fire burning in our hands" makes me picture dancing on a beach, running around with the wind in my hair late at night around a campfire--the imagery coming from these words like no other. So, while I can imagine clubs, late-night parties, and traveling with this track on that soundtrack, I can't help but note that this song just makes me feel free. Maxyme is a 19-year-old Canadian singer who made her mark on The Voice, first in 2016 and then again in 2020 in France. Choosing to release music in both English and French, this bilingual star has released multiple singles and covers on her social media accounts. She has been singing for as long as she can remember--she started professional lessons in 2009 and has been performing since 2010. Currently working on her new project, "Antisocial Club", set to come out later this year, Maxyme collaborates with various songwriters and continues showing her fans her dedication and musical talent. Written By Jane Katryn FOLLOW MAXYME:

“Wrong Time” is a catchy and relatable pop track about dating in your twenties in 2022. In today’s society, social media has become what holds many relationships together. Dating apps are where people find connections and hookups and often, this is the norm and the only way you’ll meet anyone. However, is social media wrecking love? Zoe Clark sings about how nowadays, it’s impossible to have that deep emotional connection with someone. After the first few dates, wanting to hangout and be together turns into late night booty calls. This song is not only for those who dream of a romantic and true connection, but it’s also for those needing the courage to leave crap relationships. Zoe encourages the idea that this kind of hookup behavior is unacceptable, and we need to demand more from our partners. It’s the perfect feminist pop hit! Listen to "Wrong Time" here: https://open.spotify.com/track/5j88oRL8RW4boEXA2P28hK?si=87adefc7638b4e35 Beginning with a center of acoustic guitar, “Wrong Time” adds in different musical elements as the song builds. A cool snapping of the fingers follows the guitar entrance, eventually building all the way up to the chorus where the keyboard and bass make an appearance. Throughout the whole song, you can’t help but want to dance. When the chorus hits, it’s full of energy and really hypes you up. I think the best part about this song would have to be the lyrical storytelling within the lyrics. The story is relatable to so many people, having most likely gone through situations like this too. It’s brilliantly written to have this charismatic pull in the beginning only to explode into this irresistible dance chorus. This Nashville pop artist has found her way to fame and has continued to pave her way to stardom. Currently signed with FRTYFVE records, Zoe Clark is putting out music that’s raw, honest and relatable. Combining different style influences has created a sound for Zoe that is recognizable and loved. This talented vocalist and incredible songwriter works hard to bring her massive fanbase music that cuts close to the heart. With 10 million streams on Spotify, Zoe is growing more and more in popularity. We can’t to see what else is in store for this rising popstar! Written By Emily Hancock FOLLOW ZOE CLARK:

There's a type of love that we aspire to have—a picture-perfect, romantic movie type of love that seems virtually impossible. Mariah Counts' new song, "Everything I Need" describes this, a love that makes you feel like you want to scream it from the rooftops, show them off, and rearrange your life to make them happy in the best way possible; the type of love that everyone envies. With a bubbly melody and sweet-sounding lyrics, this track will make you think of the one you love and tell them you love them. Usually, when we think of true love, we think of a love destined for the big screen. We can associate it with feelings of speechlessness, confidence, and a dreamy "head-in-the-clouds" type of vibe. This track, "Everything I Need" details this beautiful love with the lyrics, "Cause I'm feeling/Like the world is on my side/I know she got me fiending/Got me tongue-tied". Paired wonderfully with the upbeat, simple melody, the descriptions of true love bring the sense of disbelief back to the ground with the beat-- making listeners and Mariah Counts herself understand that this is a love that can be had and it's not just one for the movies. California-born and based, Mariah Counts is a woman who wears a lot of hats-- being a singer/songwriter takes a lot of work, but she's also a CrossFit gym manager, personal trainer, and athlete. On her EP, "True Ugly Feelings" she shares her real stories and uses her music to release and face the emotions that aren't the easiest to talk about. In "Lost in the Sauce", her first album, she continues to express her vulnerability by talking about her feelings after the end of a 3-year relationship. With "Everything I Need" we can see her shift from a longing or ugly type of emotion to a wholesome, loving variety. Currently, on the second leg of her first tour, Mariah Counts aspires to reach people through her music and videos--she's managed over 5.9K subscribers on Youtube and over 17K monthly listeners on Spotify, proving that she's done just that. Written By Jane Katryn FOLLOW MARIAH COUNTS:

Congratulations on the release of your new single “Sidewalks”! What was the story and inspiration behind this new song? Shy Honey: Shy Honey's new single, "Sidewalks" is all about chasing that wild feeling of impulsivity – that desire to run away from the mundane and pent-up existence everyone felt during the lockdown the last couple years. Shy Honey admits she wrote this song because she was feeling the pain of being “isolated and alone”. It’s a song about the inner passion to feel alive again and sprint down the “sidewalks” without a care in the world. Where did the name Shy Honey come from? Shy Honey: Well, when I originally started this band, I was going by another name, but ended up ditching it after a couple months. It just wasn't vibing... So I went back to the drawing board. I am someone who has a softer voice -- and I have always been a little bit shy! :) Even though I love making dancy pop songs, it sometimes feels like a strange pairing of traits-- or maybe it was a good thing to be a little mysterious... haha! I wanted something that could capture the vibe of what I do... The 'honey' in Shy Honey came from an article that described my voice as being "honey dripped"... So I combined Shy and Honey... That name stuck and here we are. :) If you could be the opener for any artist, who would you pick and why? Shy Honey: I would love to open for Robyn or Imogen Heap. They are pop queens who have stood the test of time, and I am obsessed with every song they have ever put out. :) That would be a dream! Fitting with your sound, is there a move from the 80s or 90s you think “Sidewalks” would fit perfectly in? Maybe even a specific iconic scene? Shy Honey: Wow! This is a hard question, but I would have to say any movie where there is a road trip or travel montage involving the lead characters --- or a scene where the lead characters just need to run away from it all -- or they want to do something impulsive together. "Sidewalks" is all about chasing desire with a love interest, so I would say maybe a scene from "Can't Hardly Wait", "She's All That", "Cruel Intentions", "Goonies" or "Never Been Kissed" would be really fitting... So many great movies from the 80s and 90s. It's hard to choose one! :) What are a few items on your bucket list as a group you hope to achieve in your career? Shy Honey: We would love to open for a larger electro-pop artist in our hometown of Portland, OR. We would also love to go on tour and release a new single every couple of months. What can we expect next from you? I can’t wait to hear more, hopefully soon!! :) Shy Honey: We have another single coming out this summer! Stay tuned for that! :) Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW SHY HONEY:

Congratulations on the release of your new infectious single “Animals”! Would you mind sharing the story behind this track and your inspiration for writing it? Sanna: Thank you! Animals was created at a songwriting camp for Swedish and Danish songwriters and producers. We had a really good vibe in the session and we were talking about how we humans tend to overthink when we want to be with someone, but instead we should think like animals if we really have a connection with someone. Sometimes we don't even need words, we can just look at each other and we know what we want. How did you get your introduction into music? Do you remember the moment you fell in love with it and knew it was something you wanted to pursue? Sanna: I come from a musical family where my parents and my brother are in the music industry so it felt natural for me to do music as well. I stood in front of the mirror as a kid creating songs and performed while dreaming about performing for a huge audience with my own songs. I participated in my first competition when I was 5 and I knew that I wanted to do it for the rest of my life! How was your experience studying at Musikmakarna? Sanna: It was one of the best periods in my life actually. Musikmakarna is such a great school because you have contact with the music industry directly creating connections so you can work with other big songwriters and artists through the labels. The teachers are really passionate about what they teach us and you're spending time with like-minded classmates. I bring many nice memories from that school! Who would you say are your biggest inspirations when it comes to your music and songwriting style? Sanna: Nowadays one of my biggest inspirations is Ariana Grande. I've seen her live twice and she is such an amazing artist and performer. My jaw dropped when I saw her. I also love Julia Michaels and her great songwriting skills. I love that her lyrics are so honest and conversational. What moment in your career would you say you’re most proud of so far? And what’s your biggest goal when it comes to your music? Sanna: The most recent thing I experienced that I'm proud of is my participation in the Icelandic National Final of Eurovision. I had to sing in Icelandic in the pre-selection and I don't speak Icelandic. I practiced a lot for the performance and it was a lot to think about; singing in another language that I don't speak, dancing in high heels on a glass stage, hitting the notes on live tv, presenting the message of the song and looking into the cameras. I enjoyed every second of the performance and I'm proud of myself for being brave enough to do it. Any more releases or projects you can talk about that we can expect soon? I can’t wait to hear more from you!! Sanna: I'm releasing a new song at the end of the summer. Then I'm gonna release an EP before the end of this year that I've been working on a lot. I have some performances this summer also and I'm looking forward to performing and releasing more music for you! Thanks a lot Pop Passion Blog for having me <3 Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW SANNA:

Congratulations on the release of your new single “Distance”! What is the story behind this song and your inspiration for writing it? Marion: When I first listened to the song, I pictured a colorful party in slow motion with people wearing unusual outfits. I imagined the joy they could feel and how connected they could be. And since I like analogies, I imagined them dancing and moving like stars dance around the sun like a ballet. That’s how these lyrics came to me. Can you take us through your songwriting process? Do you find it’s similar or a completely different experience each time? Marion: I really try to capture the mood of the instrument and dive into its universe. I ask myself how I feel about the melody and that determines my approach to writing. Based on this, I choose to write by describing images or even story, it depends. For the case of 'Distance' I thought that atmospheres and images would work well. But every time I try to choose the right words to translate my idea with beauty. Who would you say are your biggest influences when it comes to your music and writing style? Marion: My biggest influence is my imagination and what I see everyday. But if I had to name one artist who certainly has a big influence on me, it would be Aurora. What do you think is the best song ever written? Besides one of your own of course haha! Marion: “Everything I wanted” from Billie Eilish is how to translate with beauty and simplicity something strong that goes straight to your heart. What is your biggest goal when it comes to your career in music? That moment where you'll sit back and be like, wow I can't believe I just did that. Marion: When I’ll touch people with my music. When I’ll release an album I’m proud of and that people listen to it over and over. That’d be simply amazing. What’s coming next for you? I can’t wait to follow this journey and see where it takes you! Marion: We’re gonna release more songs with Kai Ming, one is coming in September! And then soon, a great and diversified album full of us! Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW KAI MING:

Amanda McCarthy creates a tangible intimacy that'll have you feeling like you are spitting distance from the singer as she croons her raw and honest story of that moment when you find your self-worth and the strength to let someone go when you realize they don't deserve you. The anthemic track empowers through its lyricism delivered by powerful vocals, seemingly designed for the cathartic release of singing in the shower, though anywhere will work really. Subtle electronic production introduces the track alongside some simple but effective guitar before smooth vocals enter to establish the song in its country-adjacent Americana ballad vibe, anchored in the guitar twangs and power chords that feature throughout. The topic may be slightly somber in nature, but you would have to try pretty hard to feel anything other than uplifted by the infectious, upbeat musicality that aims to repackage the emotions attached to moving on in life. McCarthy is a Nashville-based artist with roots in New Hampshire and Massachusetts who blends pop, country, rock, and modern folk. She describes herself as being "sprinkled with millennial snark and the heart of an old soul", and this certainly comes across in her music (in the best possible way). Her versatility has found her success wherever she goes and she tours nationally, with experience across the United States. She has supported a myriad of established artists including Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, Imagine Dragons, Hall & Oates, and Jason Isbell to name just a few. Find more on Amanda below! Written By George McSherry FOLLOW AMANDA: