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  • Review: "Always Gonna Let You Down" - gloomy june

    A song of bitter feelings and toxic desires, gloomy june's "Always Gonna Let You Down" is a perfect description of a party killer vibe. The line "is it something I said?" is such a realistic outlook on the confusion that is the "vibe" of a party and how just a single phrase or sentence can ruin the mood. They try to redeem it with the line "I can be your dream and you'd be mine" with hopes that whatever was said didn't ruin the party but a potential relationship. The down-to-earth moods that are presented in this song shows just how hurtful toxic emotions can be. Starting with a groovy 80's synth, a distorted rhythmic guitar, and a rocking (no pun intended) voice, "Always Gonna Let You Down" instantly sets a party mood in your mind. The rhythm section features a classic drum set (which always sounds great) that drives the song forward. The hi-hats and other high-frequency instruments are panned hard left and right which creates a sense of space. The song switches back and forth between classic guitars and synths to show differences between the verse and chorus, but there are moments when the two are effectively combined. This song wouldn't be what it is without the amazing lead vocals. Passionate and emotion-filled, the lead singer takes the listener on a journey through the experience of a bad party and the guilt and shame that follows after. So powerful! Originally known as The Y Axes, "moody" pop band gloomy june hails from San Francisco, CA. Featuring 4 talented artists with a passion for music, they're a group whose rocket-launching into the industry. Their newest single "Always Gonna Let You Down" is called "the evil twin of Rick Astley's 'Never Gonna Give You Up'" and shows the results of their hard work and dedication to the craft. You can find out more about gloomy june's latest releases, general information, or more through the media links below. Catch them on tour this May in CA, WA, OR and more! Written By Aaron Soltis FOLLOW GLOOMY:

  • Interview: "Never Going Home" - Jasmine Ortiz

    The music video for your new song is really cool! I noticed that you pulled some thematic material from "The Matrix". What was your intention behind pulling from that movie? How do you think it adds to the theme of the song and how it's about not returning to a possibly toxic relationship? * Jasmine: Thank you so much! I have always loved the Matrix series since I was younger, and the visuals inspire me a lot because of their hyper-futuristic, high-fashion aesthetic. My intention behind pulling from that movie was to provide a double entendre for "Never Going Home". The song is lyrically about having a great time with friends and going out to have fun. However, the music video reflects this in a slightly different way by depicting myself as a character in The Matrix, who is "Never Going Home" because I am fighting agents and chaos within this world. From group fight scenes to a motorcycle chase, the video is just as dynamic as the song itself. I know you mention on your EPK how much your Esophageal Tracheal Fistula impacted your literal voice as a baby but also how it has motivated you to find your voice now. That is a big obstacle to overcome at such a young age, how has this helped you tackle other challenges in your life? Jasmine: This reality has absolutely impacted me in many ways, as I have had to overcome the ability to sing or speak at all. I am extremely grateful for modern medicine and the way it has helped me be able to achieve success as a vocalist despite these challenges. I feel that this has given me immense perseverance and drive to continue striving toward my goals no matter how difficult they are to achieve. On your EPK you mention your other passions, such as social justice work. How do you balance your music career with these other pursuits? Jasmine: During my time in college, I have consistently been a traveling member of the UMiami Model United Nations Team, allowing me to exhibit my passion for social issues, policy development, and debate while still focusing on my studies as a music student. I have also learned a lot about this passion through my minor in political science which has allowed me to find avenues to combine my interests. I plan on remaining active in social advocacy by volunteering with local organizations in Miami and making sure that the voices that need to be amplified in artistic spaces, can continue to be. You've released multiple songs now that are offered in English, Spanish, and Chinese. What are your plans for continuing to use multilingual themes in your music? Jasmine: I am very grateful for my experiences learning different languages from a young age. As a child, Spanish is what I heard spoken most by my grandmother so I have what feels like a natural understanding of it. Later on, learning Mandarin in middle school allowed me to further my knowledge of world cultures and how language impacts them. I plan on continuing to utilize my knowledge of different languages as an inspiration for my music, and a way to make the stories I tell in my songs even more accessible to different parts of the world. What artists or genres first inspired you to pursue music? Any favorite song from your childhood? Jasmine: I grew up listening to anything from Carlos Santana to Ella Fitzgerald, and in my middle school to high school years became very obsessed with hard rock and post-hardcore music. I have also always been a huge fan of Nirvana, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Maroon 5, and One Republic in their early 2000s era. To pinpoint one specific influence would be really hard, but I always listened to pop-rock or alternative music and found a home in it, so that genre has inspired me the most. Since you're graduating from college soon, what plans do you have as you pursue your music career? Do you plan to stay in Florida or move elsewhere? Jasmine: I am currently planning on staying in Miami, working with some amazing producers that I know locally here. However, I am open to wherever opportunities may take me and I’m excited to have more time to travel and focus on my career full time. I plan on developing a lot of music this summer, to put together my first project either as an Ep or an album. I also have a release coming up - a remix of my song “When It’s All Done” by Steff Da Campo, in early May. Interviewed By Hannah Conkin FOLLOW JASMINE:

  • Review: "Sugar Tips" - High Score

    ‘Sugar Tips’ by High Score brings 80s synthpop music back into the mainstream with a modern twist. The song discusses the infatuation you experience when you’re in the early talking stages with a new flame. You don’t really know each other, but you can already imagine a bright future with them. “How you get so fly, damn you're so gifted; you get me so high, higher than the ceiling.” It's like when you meet someone and instantly connect with them. That SCREAMS chemistry, and it’s one of the best feelings in the world. You’ll be dancing along as High Score really brings that attractive energy! “Why you out here looking like a snack? Just like Doja Cat?" The song has a sensual feel that’s complemented by clever flirting and guitar licks. Magnetic synths and hi-hats reinforce the magical energy in the room. High Score then brings your daydreams to life with incredible falsetto vocals reminiscent of Michael Jackson and Prince. Building to an exciting chorus, they win your heart over with a flavorful medley that’ll have you swooning. This is what love should feel like: you don’t want it to end! A passion for romance and a chance to live in your fantasies?! No wonder it’s so easy to fall in love with this song! Las Vegas-based songwriters Issy Berry and Christian Hill formed the duo known as High Score during 2020’s lockdown. Previously in a pop-rock band together, they quickly found success in creating magnetic songwriting hooks. Inspired by 80s acts like Ready for the World and Prince, they transport you back to that time with refreshing synthpop ballads. ‘Sugar Tips’ is just the latest masterpiece that’ll have you moving and grooving. Their highly anticipated debut EP comes out this summer! In the meantime, go check out their rendition of Charlie Puth’s song ‘Hard On Yourself' because it's such a cool cover! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW HIGH SCORE:

  • Review: "Season One" - sydneyunicorns

    "Back to season one; time falters when left alone" is a meaningful phrase that is sang by sydneyunicorns' on her hot new single titled "Season One" which centers thematically around loneliness and a feeling of wanting satisfaction with not only one's life in the conscious state of mind BUT also the unconscious, more creative side of the brain. The idea of melting clocks sounds fascinating but it comes with lots of sacrifice especially if you are not in the right headspace. The lyricism on this song has those uplifiting haiku-pieces in there with a blend of sorrow and a feeling of being in the loop which Sydney conveys masterfully here. I want to go back to season one of my own life listening to these soundscapes on the production! I've been missing a psychedelic sound like this for a while! Sydney's vocals are angelic yet emotional and proud to a point where both the cadence and the lyrics pack a punch. The utilization of the ethereal background vocals puts lots of pizazz on various parts of the song structure itself and it makes up for an almost simplistic instrumental that uses those soundscapes yet it works very well! This entire song feels like a long journey through the Mushroom Kingdom to somewhere humans have yet to discover! sydneyunicorns is a singer, songwriter AND producer that hails from the City of Angels (LA)! Sydney has been growing her business acumen in the music world since 2021 and has not slowed down with not only this new single BUT also other singles from last year including "Styx" AND "The Crown" that have that psychedelic, hypnagogic pop vibe that Sydney presents. She plans on continual releases of singles, possible full project, more features, touring AND so much more on the table! Go give her a shot! Written By Miles Tutor FOLLOW SYDNEY:

  • Review: "Lonely Girl" - Mia Vaile

    Have you ever felt like you don’t know yourself? One day you can confidently say ‘this is me’, and then something happens. Suddenly, you’re second guessing who you are. These emotions are hard to deal with, especially if you find that the person you are isn’t the real you, but what others except you to be. Then, you have to ask yourself ‘who is the real me’. This experience can leave you lonely and confused, something Mia Vaile captures in her new song ‘Lonely Girl’. There’s an almost mystical feeling from the opening guitar riff that starts ‘Lonely Girl’. Your attention is piqued from just the intro, then the lyrics come in. “Think I’ve been missing a part of me.” If your attention wasn’t fully captured by the intro, these opening lyrics are enough to make you want to know more. Why is Vaile feeling this way? Was she able to find herself? These are just two of the questions I wanted to find answers to by the end of ‘Lonely Girl’. What I loved about the song is that you only get sorta-answers. Vaile had something happen to her, but it’s up to the listener to interpret what. By the end, Vaile is still on the search for who she is. The purposeful vagueness makes this song versatile and universally relatable. Any listener who is going through something similar can interject their own experiences into the areas that Vaile leaves open. Personally, I loved that Vaile doesn’t find answers at the end of the song. Finding out who you are is a never-ending journey. By ending the song without a concrete ‘this is who I am’, Vaile is telling listeners that it’s okay to still be figuring things out. A fun and relatable track, ‘Lonely Girl’ is definitely worth a listen. Singer-songwriter Mia Vaile started her career as the lead singer and songwriter for the group, Veorra. When the group broke up, Vaile went on her own as a solo artist. Focusing on relatable lyrics and electo-pop beats, Vaile infuses a bit on her own life into each of her songs. Her personal approach to music has reaped incredible results. Vaile has millions of streams on just her Spotify alone. ‘Lonely Girl’ is the first track off her newest EP, ‘Loner’. The third track on the EP, ‘American Dream’, already has over two million streams and that number keeps on growing. Check our ‘Lonely Girl’ and the rest of the ‘Loner’ EP on Spotify! Written By Maddy Mahady FOLLOW MIA:

  • Review: "Violet" - Silver Lake

    “Violet” is a dreamy yet haunting track about the bottled-up emotions we feel when alone, the confusing and complex feelings that haven’t worked through to feel catharsis. Though many put on a happy face, at night, when alone in your room, it’s hard not to think back to the mistakes that you’ve made. On days when nothing seems to go right, it’s important to remember that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel; that flowers can bloom brightest at night. It’s important to move past these negative and weary feelings, to move onwards and upwards. Silver Lake contrasts the soothing melodies with dark lyrics, especially giving lead singer Marleen Hoebe’s ethereal-like voice a chance to shine. This new song comfortably blends together folk-pop and dream rock in a mesh of ambient atmospheres. The careful dance between a bright and light enough voice and the darker and grittier production is masterfully done by Jesse Koch, Marleen Hoebe, and Pieter Vonk, with Javier den Leeuw on the bass. Having met six years ago in an Amsterdam live music pub, Marleen Hoebe and Jesse Koch decided to become partners in life and music. Creating the duo Silver Lake, they aim to synthesize vintage and contemporary sound with modern production techniques and old analog gear. Though relatively new to the scene, Silver Lake has already begun grasping and forming their own sound and identity. Their music is mesmerizing, and stay tuned to explore what other depths they delve into. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW SILVER LAKE:

  • Interview: "Boy Bands" - Ataia feat. Kellz

    I can’t get enough of your new single “Boy Bands”. Can you share the story behind this song and a little bit about the songwriting process? Ataia: Thank you so much! I really appreciate that. Yeah, the song first came to me in 2020 while driving. I was involved with someone who was in a boy band and I remember thinking it's not as cool as you think it is when you're a kid. Then I realized how we tend to idolize the idea of a "bad boy" or someone who doesn't treat you at your worth. So I came up with boybands and went through some voice notes in a session oneday (with Joey & Dan) where I played it and they loved the concept. SO we made it that day and then few months later I was listening to it and I was like "it needs something else..'' Then a mutual friend of Joey and mine (Kellz) said he loved the song, so I asked if he wanted to do a verse and the rest is history. Really grateful for all those guys for bringing the idea to life. When did music find its way into your life? And did experiences when you were younger inspire some of the topics you cover in your work? Ataia: Honestly, music has always been a part of my life. My father is really the one who pushed me to pursue it as a career. I had a very hard upbringing so the events in my life really pushed me into music full time. It was the thing that kept me going and what made me feel like I could connect with people. I think it is so cool you started "free-styling" in rap battles at such a young age! How did you get your start in that? Ataia: Haha, aw, thanks! Yes, it's certainly a cool thing to experience. My brother actually pushed me into it. We would have "rap battles" around the town I grew up in and he ALWAYS pushed me in. Haha. That's what got me into songwriting soon after. What inspired you to make the big move to Nashville? I visited the city for the first-time last year and instantly fell in love! Ataia: I actually was scouted at 16 and at the time I wasn't in the best environment so my mom really wanted me to make the jump and get out of the town we were in. I didn't expect to be there as long as I was but so thankful for that. Nashville really taught me how to be a better songwriter/ artist and also just helped me figure out who I was and what I truly wanted. The OMGkellz feature really compliments your song so well! What made you choose him to be included on your new single and how was it working with him? Ataia: I've known Kellz for years actually. We were in a writers camp together back in 2018 and we would always run into each other. So one day Joey played our song for him + some friends and he loved it. So I was like ok, he has to be on it if he's down. Which he was and absolutely CRUSHED it. What can we expect next from you? Any projects you can share? I can’t wait to hear more from you! Ataia: Yes! Many more songs and projects following Boy Bands. I've been working on this music for a few years so I'm really excited to get them out into the world. I also have some cuts coming out from other artists that I'm excited about as well! Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW ATAIA:

  • Review: "mg" - Riley Biederer

    Riley Biederer releases her newest single, “mg” just in time for summer. Biederer says that the inspiration for this song was actually the fact that she didn’t want it to be another love story. However, “mg” turns out to be about being in love– but with yourself and your life, not a person. This pop hit relays the message that it’s okay to not know what you’re doing in life yet, it’s okay to be young and simply have fun. Going out with friends, falling in love, and making mistakes is what makes life count. Biederer reminds us that there’s so much beauty in being a young adult, so just embrace it and have a good time. Listen to "mg" here: https://open.spotify.com/track/60oj1CWCRuE5CLAcw2unCg?si=0f40fcbb580a4a60 “mg” starts out with guitar playing softly before vocals enter the scene, creating a relaxed and mellow vibe for the song straight away. Biederer has a way with vocals that makes everything she sings sound effortless. The thing that really stuck with me about this single was how smooth and connected each phrase was. When she sings, there’s no pause or break in the line, it simply flows right into the next verse seamlessly. Combined with the calm bass lines, “mg” becomes this free-flowing song where you can relax or dance to. Just as the meaning of the song encourages you to let loose and do what you want to be happy, the musical patterns mimic this to encourage listeners to feel what they want and respond freely. Riley Biederer is a popular pop musician who has found much success in the music industry as of late. Biederer was recognized for her musical talent by Elton John and she later went to sign with his international music company, Rocket Man. Along with this, Biederer found fame and popularity through her success participating in hit music show, The Voice, where she placed in the Top 20 on season 9. The experienced artist continues to bring us heartfelt, passionate music. If you enjoy artists like Julia Michaels and Troye Sivan, Riley Biederer is definitely someone to check out. Written By Emily Hancock FOLLOW RILEY BIEDERER:

  • Review: "Jeffery Dahmer" - Brooke Daye

    Brooke Daye is back again with a new single, “Jeffery Dahmer”. While the title alludes to the story of the song being about the infamous serial killer, Jeffery Dahmer, Daye instead uses his name to make a comparison between the pain he caused and the pain of a heartbreak. Daye says that the song was inspired by an ex that she couldn’t get over for a long time. The thought of them would kill her over and over­– hence the comparison to the killings of Dahmer. She says that “Sometimes love feels like death!!” Daye’s new song relies heavily on typical pop elements like snyths and percussive instrumentation. Her vocals are sweet sounding with an airy quality to her tone. The quick tempo keeps the song having an energetic vibe despite the heavy content material being sung about. Musically, the second verse was the best constructed part of the song. With fast moving lyrics that up the mood of the song, it’s the most enjoyable section. I think while the overall idea of the message is good for people to understand, some lyrics and comparisons can be a sensitive topic considering who is being sung about and would suggest listeners keep this in mind. I would recommend this song for older listeners who have a better understanding of Dahmer and a better understanding of breakups. Daye has been releasing music since 2019 and currently has 48,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Her continued success has led to her release of a full album and more singles following. “Jeffery Dahmer” is a sneak peek at her newest project, another EP, which has yet to have a release date. Keep an eye out for more Alternative-pop surprises by Daye. Written By Emily Hancock FOLLOW BROOKE DAYE:

  • Review: "Boy Bands" - Ataia (feat. Kellz)

    You’re lying if you say you haven’t thought about how fun it might be to date Harry Styles. You would fly on private jets and wear designer dresses on A-List red carpet events. He might even bring you up on stage to serenade you making you the envy of all your friends. Dating a celebrity sounds like a dream. Unfortunately for Ataia, this supposed dream felt more like a nightmare. Consequently, Ataia doesn’t f**k with boys in boy bands anymore. I liked the overall sound of “Boy Bands.” The grungy electric guitar was a great musical representation of Ataia’s anger towards the unnamed boy band member. The song also has an electronic sound which gives off a great dance beat. It comes out a little bit on the chorus, but it really shines through on Kellz’s rap verse. I also liked this verse because the listener gets to experience the song from two points of view. Kellz plays the boy band member who is upset with himself for hurting Ataia. Even though Kellz pours his heart out, Ataia sticks to her guns and knows that she deserves better. Ataia has been singing and songwriting for as long as she could remember. She was raised in New York and Maryland, but she moved to Nashville at 16 years old. If you want to hear more of her, you should check out “Fine.” The sound is more acoustic than “Boy Bands.” It is a song about having hope in unfortunate situations. In other words, making lemonade out of overly sour lemons. Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW ATAIA

  • Review: "Ego" - Kaeley Jade

    “Ego” is a soulful pop ballad about the repercussions of unhealthy relationships on mental health. Being able to recognize a toxic relationship is already difficult enough, and the scars that these types of relationships leave afterward are hard to see and heal from. Oftentimes, closure is never found, and it’s tough to pick up the pieces and soldier on. The beautiful imagery that Jade immerses us in only paints a more harrowing picture of all the complex emotions she’s struggling with. Jade’s velvet-lined voice is mature as she conveys her raw emotions into the song. A mixture of indie-pop with cloud-lined production, Jade’s throaty voice shines especially in the climax. The narrative that she crafted finds a refreshing way of untangling complex feelings in a simple line. The atmosphere of this song hangs over every lyric, setting the loaded and tension-filled mood of the piece. But Jade’s voice clearly cuts through the fog, projecting into our minds, hearts, and souls. Kaeley Jade is an Edmonton-based Métis singer/songwriter with a voice that’s as lush as velvet. She’s especially known for weaving together rich imagery with catchy hooks to craft music that’s both reflective and lively. Drawing on influences from Maggie Rogers and the Lumineers, Jade looks to explore and craft narratives around relationships within the indie-pop genre. Jade is no stranger to the spotlight, performing on stages like the Edmonton’s Indigenous Peoples Festival, the Big Valley Jamboree, and Tkaronto Music Festival. Already marking her place in the limelight, Kaeley Jade is sure to continue to impress. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW KAELEY:

  • Review: "Judge Away" - Olivia Penalva

    From a young age, we are told: “don’t judge a book by its cover. As we grow up, even if we don’t admit to it, we misjudge people all the time. When you discount a person by an outward quality, you could be missing out on a valuable relationship. Similarly, when you get misjudged yourself, it can be a huge hit to your self-esteem. It is easier said than done, but you should embrace what makes you, you! Olivia Penalva writes a light, happy pop tune about doing just this! The instrumentation in “Judge Away” was simple but well-done. The guitar hook and finger snaps make for a toe-tapping melody. Penalva also has a really strong voice. I liked how the inflection in her vocals flows with the music. Additionally, I also liked the rhyming in the lyrics. During the chorus, Penalva sings, “Judge away, judge away, judge away. Because I know in the end, it doesn’t matter what they say.” The rhyming words at the ends of these lines are catchy. It will be the part of the song that gets stuck in the listener’s head. Rather than be a nuisance, it will give the listener a mantra and make them want to listen to the song over and over! Olivia Penalva is originally from British Columbia, Canada. If you want to hear more of her, you should check out “Love Me.” The single, released in October 2020, has acquired over 38 million TikTok views and 7 million views on YouTube. Her fans have covered her songs on highly acclaimed shows such as American Idol. In addition to singing and songwriting, Penalva is the owner of Isabelle Music Group. Hopefully, she can help other artists achieve big dreams!! Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW OLIVIA PENALVA

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