Search Results

Lately, the news has been profoundly negative. First, we were faced with a worldwide pandemic where news people talked of sickness and the world shutting down. As the pandemic was coming to an end, the rekindled conflict between Russia and Ukraine took center stage. On a smaller scale, we also experience misfortune in our own lives. The pandemic could’ve taken your loved one away. You could be left without a job and unsure of future plans. Whatever the situation may be, it is important to stay hopeful. This is obviously easier said than done, but it can make obstacles more manageable and easier to conquer. In her inspirational ballad, “Time,” Roveena sings about holding onto hope. The first thing I noticed about the song was Roveena’s voice. It was really strong and added onto the existing passion of the words. My favorite lyric was: “when all the good gets left behind, you’ve gotta give it time.” Even though the whole song is about holding onto hope, these words seem to sum up the point nicely. They also give the listener a motto to take with them. I also liked how smooth the piano melody was. It was relaxing and complimented the lyrics. The simple melody also allowed the passion in Roveena’s voice to shine through. Roveena was born in Sri Lanka and lives in Toronto, Canada. If you liked “Time,” Roveena sings another inspirational ballad, “Fearless.” This song is really motivating and powerful. It is no surprise that it was featured in the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. I did not think it was possible to do it a third time, but her other song, “Fly” will inspire you to be yourself and block out the haters. These are songs you need to add to your pick-me-up playlist! Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW ROVEENA

As a kid, did you want to become friends with everyone? Chances are, you’re now a people-pleaser. May I present to you ‘Keepintouch’ by Love You Later; a song about reconnecting with yourself and learning to enjoy your own company. “I’m losing touch with everyone else; trying to keep in touch with myself.” Love You Later confronts the overthinking and discomfort she experienced as her friends started to move on. Some friendships are seasonal, and that’s okay! You can make peace with that truth and learn to accept yourself as your own best friend, just like she did! I strive to write catchy and brilliant lyrics like Love You Later. "Try to slow down, but still don’t know how; I’m overreacting, and nobody knows it.” She knows how to CALL YOU OUT! At the same time, dreamy guitar riffs and ethereal vocal harmonies are like medicine for your deepest wounds. They’re beautiful, just like you are! She understands that these intense emotions aren't just a phase. It takes time to heal. The passion with which she sings is cathartic in itself. This up-tempo alt-pop jam is exactly the infectious melody you NEED for a summer glow-up! Meet Nashville-based singer-songwriter Lexi Aviles, the genius behind Love You Later. The 23-year-old alt-pop artist has proven to be a master marketer in teasing her latest single ‘Keepintouch’ on TikTok (@heyloveyoulater). Her music is filled with dreamy synths and melodies that will resonate with you on every level. She’s opened for notable acts such as OneRepublic and Dayglow, and she’s even made an appearance at SXSW. Without question, Lexi is an incredibly relatable artist who’s quickly rising to the top! She teased some BTS of a fun music video for ‘Keepintouch’ back in January, so get ready for that to drop soon! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW LOVE YOU LATER:

“To Know I Hurt You” is such a raw, emotional song. Can you share what inspired you to sit down and write it? Drew: I wanted this one to be from the perspective of the person who has hurt the one they love the most. A song where you really can feel the regret and pain. We've all been hurt by people we love. And we've all hurt those we love. These words are either what you'd say to the person you hurt, or what you wish someone would've said to you after they hurt you. You can insert yourself to either perspective depending on what you are currently going through in your personal life. How did music find its way into your life? Drew: Music has been interwoven into every thread of my life since I was a child. My dad is in an 80s cover band and my mom used to work in radio, so I was able to witness so many aspects of the industry. I began writing songs at about 10 years old and have been since. Congratulations on being a finalist for NSAI’s Song Contest two years in a row! What do you think is the key to being a successful songwriter? Drew: Thank you so much! There are many aspects to being a successful songwriter but the key is repetition. Just like any skill, the more you do it, the better you get. I have a catalog of hundreds of songs that are decent at best. I also think that listening and analyzing music critically is massive. Listen to enjoy first but when you hear a song you love, study it. Look at the structure, the tension and release, the melodic hooks and repetition throughout. Music is absolutely subjective but there are techniques you can utilize that can immensely enhance a song. After spending the last year working in Nashville, I’m sure you know the best spots to hit when visiting! Have any recommendations? Drew: Nashville has so many incredible spots. I'd recommend checking out The Gulch, Music Row, and 12th South. What would be your dream venue to play? It could be anywhere in the world! Drew: Dreaming big is the only way I know how, so I'd have to go with Wembley Stadium. After such a successful 2021, we can’t wait to see what 2022 brings for you! Is there anything you can share about what to expect later this year? Drew: This year is going to be amazing. I have so many new singles coming out, including the follow up to "To Know I Hurt You" which will be released in early April. Some really incredible things coming up soon. Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW DREW:

“Teach U How 2 Love Me” is the epitome of a feel-good song. It’s impossible not to dance to this groovy hit when you hear it. This song talks about showing someone in a relationship how to love you the way you want to be loved– and does so in a disco-like way. The throwback type vibes of this hit are immaculate, you feel like you’re back in the 70’s listening to ‘this weeks top disco artist’ when you hear the song. This is the perfect tune to listen to on a night out on the town with some friends. Listen to "Teach U How 2 Love Me" here! Curran’s hit song starts off with some fabulous electric beats and then features Curran’s vocals right after. Curran expertly combines vintage sounding vocals with pop lyrics to create a groovy retro-pop vibe. Holly’s singing really shines through later in the song as she sings solo with no background. Her vocals are focused in a higher range of singing and she hits her notes with ease, creating an effortless sounding voice. “Teach U How 2 Love Me” also includes backup singing that is the perfect touch to make the song have that 70’s disco-pop feel. "Teach U How 2 Love Me” was released as a part of Holly’s first EP, Chapstick in 2022. She currently has 2 other singles released as well. Holly is an experienced actor, singer, and songwriter and can also play guitar and ukulele­– talk about multi-talented! The up-and-coming artist hasn’t released any upcoming projects yet, but we can expect more great, upbeat, and groovy tunes from Holly! If you liked “Teach U How 2 Love Me”, check out the rest of her EP to hear more iconic jams! Written By Emily Hancock FOLLOW HOLLY CURRAN:

Your cover of Nirvana’s “Heart Shaped Box” is so well-done and powerful! What made you want to cover this iconic song? Asha: I’ve been a fan of nirvana since middle school; their songwriting and sheer emotive power has always resonated strongly with me. In my version, I wanted to examine the juxtaposition between the morose lyrics, and a brighter, poppier sound in the chorus. I always like to play with the idea of extremes, I think it’s something innate to my personality, and this song in particular leant itself very well to that exploration. Where do you draw inspiration from when writing your music? Asha: I think like a lot of writer’s, it comes from a place of emotional vulnerability. It’s a safe place to delve into your weaknesses, dissect your strength and create a dialogue with others, in a way a simple conversation can never quite bridge. Music has this amazing ability to celebrate the darkest parts of ourselves in a way that lacks intimidation, but maintains intimacy. I love that you sketched the art for your merch! In addition to music, does art also play an important role in your life? Asha: Thank you! Yes, I was obsessed with drawing and cartoons growing up. I would spend all my babysitting money on old comic books, and trace panels from Jim Lee’s work… at one point, I wanted nothing more than to be an animator for Disney. I’ve always loved writing as well. Creating in this way has always been cathartic. It still is. Art is the place I go to find myself. What has been your favorite place you’ve traveled so far? And where are you hoping to go next? Asha: Oh there’s so many to choose from! I love the Caribbean for the beautiful coastlines and balmy weather. You really can’t beat Western Europe for some of the most stunning pieces of classical architecture. The streets of New York thrive with buskers on every street, some of the most insanely talented people I’ve ever seen perform, and Nakuru is one of the loveliest national parks I’ve every been to. Imagine leaving a Toronto winter to climb a mountain. Still, so incredibly worth it. I suppose as travel restrictions lift, I’ll be looking for a new adventure! No decisions made yet. If you could perform with any artist in the world, who would you pick and why? Asha: I’d love to do a collaboration with Laura Mvula… She has such an exquisite sound, so beautiful, intricate, with depth, but also a playfulness. Her lyrics are meaningful and have a wonderful narrative style. Or Lianne La Havas, she is such a talented musician I think I’d probably be anxious about keeping up, but man, what an experience that would be! Do you have any advice for someone who wants to start making their own music but doesn’t know where to start? Asha: Hmm… I think as with most things in life, the key is just to start. There really is no right or wrong when it comes to creativity. Listen to music. Explore different genres. Go to open mics. Learn an instrument. Learn three instrument. Watch YouTube videos on composition. Dissect songs of your favourite artists. Try to recreate them. Most importantly, I think, is to invest in the community. Support other artists! Go to their shows. Buy their merch. It can be such an isolating and difficult process, so finding your tribe and supporting each other is absolutely integral. Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW ASHA:

If I only had one word to describe ‘Bird of Prey’ by Emily James, I would say it’s mesmerizing. Blending the beauty of a new love with the fear of getting too close, she vulnerably explains the battle that’s raging in her heart. “I’m a little less numb when I’m with you; push you away, cuz that’s the part that’s easy.” When you feel insecure, the first instinct is to try to escape the obtrusive feelings that come up. That can wear you down emotionally over time. What’s great is that James unearths those emotions and soothes the relationship anxiety (or any anxiety) that you may feel. In the words of Meghan Trainor, this song is “all about that bass!” James sets a somber tone with the elegant strums of a string bass. She sings with an incredible amount of intimacy, as if she’s consoling your inner child. “Please, just be patient with me; I've been running on empty, trying to feel my way back to my heart.” As mystical synths envelop you in the story, James allows her voice to break on the word “heart”, as if she’s literally tugging on your heartstrings. You’ll feel more understood than ever with this enchanting tune! There's no doubt that Emily James truly shines with her heartfelt melodies! The 22-year-old LA singer-songwriter has developed a musical style that’s irresistible. Taking influence anywhere from Billy Joel to musicals, she combines emotional vulnerability with an impressive vocal range. Originally from New York, her career kicked off in Nashville, where she developed her songwriting prowess. After moving to LA, she ventured into self-producing. With her talents mastered, she’s now amassed more than 40 million streams across her 5 EPs. If you enjoyed ‘Bird of Prey’, check out her other awesome songs! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW EMILY:

I have a best friend who met this awesome guy when she went to college. They had so many similarities and quickly became friends. Everyone who knew them thought they should date, but for the longest time, the romantic feelings weren’t mutual between the two. Reece Lemonius is in a similar situation in his new song ‘Feeling Nothing’. Lemonius is close to someone, and he wants to take things from platonic to rom, but the other person is keeping him at arm’s length. All their friends think the match would be great, a clear chemistry flowing between the two. Yet, the other person refuses to acknowledge that the connection is something deeper. This song is Lemonius asking the other person: why do we act like there isn’t a connection here and instead choose to feel nothing? With warmer weather quickly approaching, ‘Feeling Nothing’ is the perfect song to get you into the spring spirit. Fun electronic dance beats make the song impossible to sit still and listen to. This earworm is perfect for any playlist intended to get you up and moving. The chorus is infectious with the lyrics, “Why do we act like feeling nothing, nothing, nothing/When it’s the fact we’re onto something, something, something”. After a few listens I found myself humming these lyrics throughout my day. The lyrics paint an emotional story, one that’s easy to get sucked into, and easy to relate to. Whether it be yourself or a friend, the ‘will they, won’t they’ situation is one almost everyone has encountered. By the end of the song, the upbeat tempo mixed with the lyrics leaves you hopeful that maybe something more can happen between the two. With millions of streams across all streaming platforms, Reece Lemonius is an artist who knows how to get people listening. In 2017, Lemonius collaborated with Swedish producer Mike Perry on the song ‘Talk About It’, which currently sits at over 83 million streams on Spotify. The following year Lemonius released his debut single ‘Love Me’, which has over 6 million streams. Over the last few years Lemonius has worked on crafting his sound, culminating in his new EP ‘Feeling Nothing’. The five tracks create stories of romance, each one highlighting a different type of relationship. ‘Feeling Nothing’, the song and EP, are out now on all streaming platforms. Written By Maddy Mahady FOLLOW REECE:

What are your goals? Your passions? Have you ever wanted to take that next step toward your dream life, but you hesitate at the last second? That one move can change your life. That’s why the message in ‘one day before i die’ by nobody likes you pat is so important. It highlights the advantages of living spontaneously rather than planning out your moves every time. If you asked yourself “what if I had one day before I die?”, wouldn’t you want to travel the world, ask out your crush, or pursue a career that makes you feel fulfilled? You can do it! This song asks you to hop in the driver’s seat and experience life without regrets! Passionate guitar strums set your internal GPS toward exactly where you want to go: UP! A strong start like this encourages you to start tackling your “list of the maybes and what ifs" NOW! Pat gives you a dose of euphoria with beautifully vivid vocals and energetic beats. AND there’s a phenomenal harmonica part at the end of the first verse! He speaks on the all too relatable preoccupation with the immediate concerns of life. But then he considers the time he has left as precious grains of sand in an hourglass. That’s a great point! Why wait to make memories that will last a lifetime? I recommend rolling your windows down and blasting this as you race down the highway! Pat Kiloran goes by the hilariously clever artist name “nobody likes you pat.” The Minneapolis singer-songwriter and producer is a master collaborator who’s worked with all sorts of industry pros and entertainment companies (including Disney and Netflix). His crystal-clear indie pop sound will draw out the best in you. He’s currently rolling out music and visual episodes for his upcoming EP ‘spinning’. With ‘one day before i die’ being the lead single, it'll surely win you over! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW PAT:

Q: I genuinely can’t stop listening to your new single “Does That Hurt?”! What is the story behind this song? OLI: The story of two people who are completely unable to see eye to eye. I really wanted that to show in the song. Although it’s a love song, I didn’t want it to feel optimistic. It’s like they are interrupting each other and are too stubborn to really listen. Q: What made you want to start making your own music? OLI: I started writing when I was quite young, but I think it was when I was seven and performed my song at school, I realised that this was probably going to be what I ended up doing. I’ve been very lucky; my teachers and family were always really encouraging. Q: How did the opportunity arise to work with Dave Gahan? I am a HUGE Depeche Mode fan so that is so cool! OLI: The whole experience was honestly surreal. My producer had been working on a project with Dave and he played me the demo. I love the americana sound (and Depeche mode!) so when he asked if I wanted to be a part of the song, I couldn’t say no. It has been one of the best experiences of my career. Q: Are there any other artists you hope to collaborate with in the future? OLI: I’d have to say Stereophonics. Kelly Jones is phenomenal. Q: I am a huge concert fan so I'm curious, what is your favorite concert you’ve ever been to? OLI: I really can’t choose between PVRIS and Hak Baker, both are crazy talented and give amazing performances. Q: What do you hope to achieve next in your music career? We're excited to see what you do next :) OLI: I want to collaborate more; I love it and I realised it’s something I don’t do enough. Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW OLI:

India Maxey is emotionally stuck in her new song, ‘Treading Water’. The phrase treading water is often used to describe someone who is locked in the same place. You aren’t moving forward. You aren’t moving backward. You’re just trying to keep from going under. For Maxey, she’s locked in a stagnant relationship. Her lyrics express her contemplation over the problems she has with her partner, and how she often tries to minimize their issues to keep things going. Maxey is stuck swimming in place, waiting for the day that things will get better. The longer she idles in the water, the harder it becomes to keep herself and her relationship afloat. As the last lyrics ring out, she keeps herself in place, waiting to see if she’ll finally get somewhere, or if the tide will grow strong enough to drag her under. Maxey’s vocals shine over an electro-pop beat. Her light tone flutters over the music, creating the image of someone kicking in water to keep themselves afloat. The lyrics of the chorus show Maxey’s resilience and her desire to keep herself from sinking. The lyrics I was particularly drawn to were in the bridge. “Showing up uninvited/I hear you calling my name/Telling me it’s all over/But I can see all of your games”. The song tells a story of this unsteady back and forth between Maxey and her partner. I found these lyrics to really cement why she is continuing to tread through this relationship. Neither party is fully ready to commit to leaving. These lyrics help emphasize the confusion and uncertainty that accompany an unsteady relationship. If Maxey was to walk away, she wouldn’t be certain that her partner was truly ready to give up, and then she’d wonder if things could have been salvaged. Overall, the song creates a story that many can relate to and puts into words the trepidatious feeling that surrounds this type of relationship. For some people, music is their life, and India Maxey is one of those people. The South West London native grew up playing the trumpet and being a part of various performing groups. She has inside knowledge of the music industry having graduated college with a BA Honors Degree in Music Production. While working as a production assistant on The Voice UK, a vocal coach introduced India to a producer, whom she still works with today. For the last 4 years, India has been working on creating a unique sound for herself. Maxey's other single, ‘You’, is a much more stripped back track that is definitely worth a listen. ‘Treading Water’ is available to stream now! Written By Maddy Mahady FOLLOW INDIA:

It can be hard when you realize you’re in a relationship that is fizzling out. You notice the other person pulling away and you don’t know how to fix it. Barrett Crake is a man desperate to revive a dying relationship in his new song, ‘50%’. He notices the growing distance between himself and his partner. This song is his plea to try and be what that other person needs. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to try and save the love that they’ve created. The only thing he asks from his partner is that they try and meet him halfway. In the first seconds of the song, a repeating guitar line is introduced with an echoed voice layered overtop. These elements create a sense of longing that is felt throughout the song. When Crake’s lyrics come in, this longing is accompanied by an urgency that starts to grow. Strong percussive beats accompany the lyrics, driving the tempo, and aiding to the intensity of Crake’s emotions. During the verses, these beats work to create a pace that amplifies Crake’s feelings of longing. When the song crescendos into the chorus, the beats intensify, bringing his urgency to the forefront. The last lyrics of the first verse, “Can’t you see, I’m on my knees, try to meet me, halfway”, set this pace that then explodes as the listener is brought into the chorus. As I was listening, I thought of the verses as a walk to contemplate your thoughts and feelings, and the chorus as an urgent sprint to your partner. Barrett Crake is an electro-pop artist who is the epitome of what a modern artist can be. He has taken advantage of the online digital landscape to create an international set of collaborators. The American artist has created partnerships with producers in cities such as Amsterdam and Berlin, all while being fully independent. Crake’s background in film allows him to create beautiful videos that tell the stories of every track he writes. In 2017, Crake had one of his biggest opportunities in creating a remix of the Corona hit “Rhythm of the Night”. The track currently has over 2.3 million streams on Spotify. Through his music, Crake hopes that people can relate to and find hope in his lyrics. ‘50%’ is out now! Written By Maddy Mahady FOLLOW BARRETT:

For these past few months, I’ve often felt unmotivated to get out of bed. I’m either dreading what today has in store for me or I’m simply a night owl with sleep deprivation. Either way, it’s time to switch up my routine! GRWM with a new energetic bop from DUVALL and Sam Gray! Entitled ‘Good Feeling’, this song is guaranteed to get your brain chemistry back in alignment. “I've been hiding from myself, M.I.A; but when I woke up today, I got a good feeling.” It’s like a revitalizing stroll that gives you a chance to recharge. Give yourself an excuse to take a dance break and unleash those SICK moves of yours! (Unless you’re like me and suck at dancing...no, I take that back. DO IT ANYWAY!) I personally LOVE the dance-pop production for this song. You get Calvin Harris vibes from the percussive beats and radio-quality sound. Swept into the rhythm, you’ll be stunned by catchy lyrics that elicit optimism and help you find hidden gems of pleasure in your toughest times. “Think I’m ready this time, got a new state of mind.” DUVALL and Sam Gray ask you to reframe your thinking so you’ll never back down from a challenge! One of my favorite parts in this song is the striking baritone vocals that Gray blesses us with. He puts his whole soul into this carefree attitude and you're quickly ushered into party central! From their collaboration on ‘Good Feeling,’ DUVALL steps into his newfound creative freedom from his group Disciples, while Sam Gray continues to demonstrate versatility in his music range. The two artist-producers have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to creating hit records. It’s no surprise then that their work is so engaging! They excel at both laying the foundation for great lyrics and nailing the bells and whistles in their evocative melodies. Needless to say, these two insanely talented individuals do NOT disappoint! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW DUVALL: FOLLOW SAM: