The Songs You've Never Heard is the first 'booksical' that I have come across. A "mixed media form of storytelling invented in the early 21st century", 'booksicals' are books that feature an intertwined soundtrack that plays an integral part in the book's feeling and general narrative. The Songs You've Never Heard is a young adult novel that champions sisterhood, musical talent, and body positivity. The album that accompanies the book rotates the point of view between three of the book's main characters; the protagonists of this story, Meg, Alana, and Caspar are portrayed musically through the vocal performances of Becky Jerams, Megan Tuck, and Cathal Murphy respectively. If you like the idea of Ellie Goulding singing you an audiobook, you might want to check out the track 'Scripts'. Clean-cut, varied, and powerful vocals bolster the emotional story that 'Scripts' tells, backed both by classic piano chords and an upbeat electronic production that anchors the song in its positivity and optimistic feel. The overall feel is adjacent to what I imagine a musical, like Frozen, would sound like if written, produced, and performed by Taylor Swift. The lyricism calls out the lack of authenticity in the media we consume, outing written scripts for lacking the grit that we experience in our lives. The Songs You've Never Heard is a joint venture of Becky Jerams and Ellie Wyatt. Jerams is a young adult author and musician from Portsmouth, UK. Jerams worked to establish herself in the music industry; she now has songs featured in movies and advertisements and works with K-Pop girl-group Red Velvet . Having written a novel and posting it online, Jerams found a new dream to chase after receiving significant praise and support for the project. Ellie Wyatt is a BAFTA winning children's musician from Brighton, UK. A long-established lover of books as well music, Ellie has continued to pair her passions together in this latest project. Written By George McSherry MORE ON THE SONGS YOU'VE NEVER HEARD:

In “Sway My Way,” R3HAB and Amy Shark reflect upon how hard it is to meet someone in a nightclub. I personally do not frequent these places. However, I know that they are vibrant and loud. You have to repeat what you said to your friend dancing next to you at least three times for them to understand what you said. Additionally, you may lose your friend in the crowd until “last call.” I am not saying this environment is bad. Most people need some time to block the world out and dance their cares away. This is exactly what the main character in “Sway My Way” was doing until she “danced” across a person she wanted to know more of. One thing I enjoyed about this song was the instrumentation. It had a noticeable dance sound. At the same time, it sounded light and airy as well. It really captured the sway aspect. Another element I enjoyed was Amy Shark’s vocals. During the verses, it sounded as if she was talking to the music. I think that this characteristic really gives the song a storytelling attitude. With that being said, I would really like to know if our main character was able to find her missing person. She keeps telling them to “sway my way” but never mentions finding them again after the first night. Fadil El Ghoul (AKA R3HAB) has had a successful career in dance music for the past fifteen years. He has crafted remixes for numerous members of pop royalty such as Rihanna and Taylor Swift. His work has accumulated more than 8 billion streams. Amy Shark is a songwriter from Australia. Her hit single, “Adore,” achieved a 5-time Platinum certification in Australia. Shark released her debut album, Love Monster, in 2016. She has toured internationally and made appearances on popular U.S televisions shows such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW R3HAB: FOLLOW AMY SHARK:

"The Cost Of Being Perfect" is a gentle ballad regarding the strive for perfection and how much it affects a person. Aiming to fit into the unrealistic standards society has set is not healthy for one's mindset and can make a person be so hard on themselves. This piece is near to Sophia's heart as she shared her feelings and experience with the matter on her Instagram: "Perfectionism is something I've struggled with my whole life. As I got older I realized that after years of trying to make people like me I ended up turning into my own bully by criticizing myself." It's true, we really can turn into our biggest critics when we get in our own heads. Sophia revealed that she healed a piece of her that had been hurting for so long by writing and producing this song, and it is a beautiful reminder that being so mean to yourself is not worth chasing after perfection. This piece immediately starts with the question "Why am I so hard on myself?" It's a very powerful realization to come to after so much time being spent trying to change yourself. It's the realization that you don't deserve to treat yourself this way and that you really should be kind to yourself. The rest of the lyrics tell a story of a person's destructive journey of comparing themselves to people on a screen, and how it actually does nothing but take away their self-worth. As for the melody, it stays soft throughout the piece and gives Sophia's voice and message the spotlight. Allowing Sophia's voice to be so heard makes the meaning of the song so much more impactful. Her voice itself is so light and airy, bringing so much peace to this song. As a whole, this song is full of emotion and passionately addresses a topic that almost all endures. Pop singer Sophia Angeles moved to Nashville in 2016 to seriously pursue her music career. Finding inspiration in this musically-inclined city, she debuted her career by releasing her single "Interested" in 2018 and has only grown from there. She has a total of seven released singles including this newest one. Just in the last year alone, her music has gotten a total of 50 million views on Youtube. Also, her single "Miss You More" has been featured on Spotify playlists such as "Fresh Finds" and "Poptronix" and has almost 3 million streams on the platform. Sophia fosters a strong love for pop music and has found inspiration for her pieces through artists including Selena Gomez and Julia Michaels. With her passion and drive, Sophia is an artist who is bound to make a name for herself in the industry. Written By Melina Darlas FOLLOW SOPHIA ANGELES:

EDIE proves she is not someone to mess with on her 2022 debut single “Blame Me.” The fuzzy guitar laced track is for anyone who feels they've lost themselves in a relationship. It’s the feeling of giving up part of yourself and having to shudder that away for someone else to please them. EDIE lets us know that you shouldn’t have to give up those pieces of yourself for someone to like you, and to not let someone break you down or underestimate you. “Blame Me” is about taking the control back and letting the world know to not underestimate you. “Blame Me” has a guitar heavy instrumental that stays tame during the verses, but when the chorus comes in, it roars to life. The track also features very blunt lyricism about the different sides of a situation in which someone is trying to dull you, “I can’t look at my own reflection // I can’t listen to my voice // You made me see all my imperfections // Red flags were just noise.” But, in the end finding a way to get back what you’ve lost because of them, “I’m gonna make you sorry that you ever loved me.” EDIE is here to let this person know they’re “not their doll.” EDIE is an artist based in Australia. “Blame Me” is her first single, which was independently released, and is the first of many to come. This is just the start of her career, but EDIE comes equipped with a roaring pop-punk sound, a soaring voice, and unabashedly unapologetic lyrics. Keep her on your radar, as she is definitely going to be an artist on the rise. Written By Kyle Stiver FOLLOW EDIE:

"Easy" is a song describing the utmost relief that one gets by finally calling it quits on a toxic relationship. It really is a sad thing to think about the fact that some relationships are so harmful that it's the best move to just end the relationship entirely. The pain and pure unhappiness that such a relationship brings makes the ending more freeing than it does painful. Breaking up has to be one of the hardest decisions to make in life, but it must be done if there's more crying in the relationship than there is laughter. Daisy The Great produced such a gentle-sounding piece and graces listeners with their sweet voices singing on this topic. This song is nothing but elegant and brings so much peace, even while describing such a melancholy topic. The song begins with an ethereal melody, setting the dreamlike tone that carries on throughout the entire song. The drums and guitar have a light and airy sound, mixing perfectly with the vocals of the piece. Mina and Kelley's vocals complement one another extraordinarily well and hold the same airy tone that the melody possesses. Both artists sing in different octaves but relatively hold the same delicate pitch. I have never been exposed to such calming vocals before and am absolutely in love with both of their voices. In the last minute of the song, the pace slows down a bit, making the guitar and vocals a lot more prominent. As for the lyrics, they beautifully express the story of getting out of the trap which is a toxic relationship. The lyrics heavily emphasize the serenity that comes with removing such a harmful situation from one's life. Due to the calming nature of this piece and its beauty, this song is absolutely addicting to listen to. Daisy The Great is a pop indie band comprised of Kelley Dugan and Mina Walker, two musically inclined friends who met at NYU. Dugan has always lived in New York while Walker moved to New York from New Orleans. They decided to come together to form their band in 2016, and released their debut album I'm Not Getting Any Taller in January 2019. They have opened for artists including the Indigo Girls, Sidney Gish, and Samia. They are currently on tour until the end of September and are working on their second studio album. Written By Melina Darlas FOLLOW DAISY THE GREAT:

In ‘Lost the Feeling’, Izzy S.O confesses that she feels low on love in her relationship. “Maybe I lost the feeling, maybe you lost the fight; I’m tired of repeating this.” Life can be...chaotic, to say the least. Sometimes all the negative experiences we have can seem to overshadow our joyful moments. Izzy’s energy is a compelling counterforce to this, expressing this dreamy optimism out of having to let go of a draining connection. She steps into a world where she can see the other person crystal clear, beyond the storm clouds in her mind. The result is a gentle, yet evocative tune to escape to for comfort in your personal battles. I love the backdrop. The guitar rhythm is quite catchy, pulsing vibrantly with iridescent synths to usher in a sleek ‘90s alt-pop sound. It’s a smart choice; pairing the nostalgia with Izzy’s dreamy flashback to the emotions she beautifully felt (and still desires to feel) with this person. On the other side of that coin, she also senses that something’s off. “You tell me secrets of a girl you once knew, but the dots won’t connect.” Izzy subtly alludes to her gut feeling, but in the bridge she rips that thought away and looks past it. There’s such purity in her optimism here, and it’s truly exhilarating to hear that in her voice. This song is an instant earworm! Izzy S.O uniquely blends the sounds of pop-rock, soft punk and indie pop with the lyrical prowess of Avril Lavigne. The London-based singer-songwriter was raised in a household filled with creativity and music. Her early influences include a wide array of artists like Alanis Morissette, Damien Rice and Mazzy Star. After leaving school at 16, she entered the music industry as a vivid songwriter who could express complex emotions with incredible clarity. She’s also an actor, and her most prominent role was on Nickelodeon’s popular comedy series Goldie’s Oldies . This year, she released her first single ‘Flirting with Strangers’ and now her second single ‘Lost the Feeling’. Both songs will be featured on her exciting debut EP Can You Hear Me which comes out July 29th! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW IZZY:

"In the End", your new single, is a slow, haunting song much different from your other releases. How was creating this new release different from your past projects? Dylon: "In the End" was an extension of the artist I desire to be. I don't want to be boxed in, into being one genre. I like to make music that I'd like to listen to and this is one in the same. How do you balance your modeling career with your music career? Do you ever plan to prioritize one over the other? Dylon: Modeling and music go hand-in-hand, with fashion being such a big part of communication like music they have seamlessly fit with one another. Yes, I plan to start focusing more heavily on my music, a process that has already begun this year, thus far I am pleased. I definitely don't want to neglect my modeling career and all the doors that has opened. What motivated you to pursue a music career? Any important influences in your life? Dylon: Yes since I'm around so many artists in New York it awakened a passion and creativity that had laid dormant for many years. I've always sung, but now I've taken everything from song writing, production, and engineering a lot more professionally. How do you go about beginning a new project? Dylon: With new projects I like to have the music write itself, at times I'll start with a melody and build around that, but most of the time I allow the music to breathe. If you weren't modeling or making music. What do you think you would be doing? Something creative still? Dylon: Great question, I'm not entirely sure. I think there's creativity in all sorts of occupations, so I definitely think I'd be doing something creative, but couldn't be sure as to what. What're your hopes or plans for the future with respect to your music career? Dylon: My hopes musically would be to release some new music and go on tour with a talented artist. I've performed a bit in New York and would love to explore other markets. Interviewed By Hannah Conkin FOLLOW DYLON:

I am so impressed with your new single “Weak Boy”! This album truly is the definition of pop from space! What is the story behind this track? Visiteur: Weak boy is a story about not fitting in, but knowing that you could if only given an opportunity. The music came from bass player John Lake, who played his strings in unison with our dear former guitarist Ema, constructing the playful verses. Lyrically the theme comes from something Sir Boyfriend experienced on the streets of Stockholm; a boy was soliciting money on the streets and people were walking past him, preoccupied with their phones. Humans have the capability of quickly adapting and accepting their surroundings, yet some people and some things do not get accepted, or integrated into the community. The ability to filter out the horrors and also the beauty of the world can be a super power needed to focus on what's in front of you, but it isn't alway pretty. How did you all meet? And what made you start making music together? Visiteur: Sir Boyfriend and John Lake met during their formative years in the indie rock group Lynx Rufus. John had finished studying music in LA and stayed on with a punk rock band before joining his childhood friend to play bass in the new pop rock group Lynx Rufus. Big record deals and big dreams were in the making but it did not go as planned and the band split up leaving John Lake with singer Sir Boyfriend, who insisted they keep writing and playing music. More synthesizers were introduced and after some time experimenting with a more pop-oriented sound, Visiteur was born. If you could collaborate with any artist/artists, who would you pick and why? Visiteur: John Lake - Caroline Ailin, Tove Styrke, Dagny because they ARE pop. Sir Boyfriend - I'm in love with the cheeky minimalism of "As It Was" by Harry Styles and would love to do (another) perfect pop record with him. Also I'd like to write and perform on stage with Alex Cameron because he's a top class story teller and showbiz man. And then there's Billie/FINNEAS because of their innovation and boldness. Congratulations on the release of your new album “Arrival”! What song would you say you're most proud of? And what song are you most excited to perform live? Visiteur: We love to perform Royalty because the fans love to sing along and we always reach peak energy with that one. Weak Boy is also a special one because it is one of the latest recordings and it embodies much of where we are going musically. If you could describe your new album in three words, what would you pick? Visiteur: PREMIER POP PARTY What can we expect next from you all?! I’m holding out hope for that first show in space! Visiteur: We are recording the final scenes for the Weak Boy music video next week and have started working on recording the next album. We have great momentum now and won't stop until we're launched into space! Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW VISITEUR:

“After Effects” is a pop-punk anthem on the aftermath of friendships turning sour. When others treat you badly, a lot of the time, especially kids, don’t know how to fight back. Toxicity, irrational fears, and overwhelming anxiety and stress are just some of the after-effects people have to deal with now. The after-effects of these unhealthy relationships lingers for years to come, manifesting themselves in thoughts, actions, goals. Jzzy uses driving electric guitars and pulsating drums to accentuate her cut-throat vocals and pointed lyrics: “This song is for anyone who had a friendship turn sour, and who wishes they could just tell someone for once, let them know what they did and how it affected them, and the anthem-like chorus is about letting it all go.” Working with LA-based guitarist-producer Adam Neilson, Jzzy only has praise especially since they were working virtually and in different time zones. Growing up in Ajmer, Jzzy, or Jasmine Mohammed, is an Indo-American pop artist that’s been rapidly releasing singles since last year. Now, she’s set to relocate to Los Angeles with her family. Though she’s young, she shows knowledge in the final mixes, crafting harmonies and countermelodies to contrast textures and create an atmosphere instead of simply just a song. She’s hot and on the rise, and definitely check-in on her upcoming stuff. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW JZZY:

For The Best should be the next track you add to your break-up playlist. Dallin Hatch balances regret, sorrow, guilt, and indignance, backing the lyricism with those cathartic neck-strained vocals that could only talk about love or the lack of it. It definitely feels like a song for the shower or for when you're driving; just make sure you're somewhere you can belt the lyrics. Click here to listen to For The Best The classic combo of fervent vocals and poignant lyricism over piano chords intersect with the featured electronic production to find a satisfying balance in this modern heartbreak anthem that paints the pain of watching the love drain out of your relationship. The soft and slow verse work set a somber tone and provides contrast for the forceful, commanding chorus where Hatch shows off his vocal (and emotional) range and power. The track would sound right at home on a Jon Bellion release. Dallin Hatch is a 21-year-old singer/songwriter who "wears his heart on his sleeve" and he shows it, bearing emotion and honesty throughout his growing discography. Completely independent, Hatch began his songwriting career at 15 and has recently found success on TikTok, where his cover of Dreya Mac's "Own Brand Freestyle" caught the ear of the original artist herself and even Meghan Trainor. Find Dallin's socials below to follow his career and hear more! Written By George McSherry FOLLOW DALLIN:

Carlay’s “laying in my bed with my best friend” is a reflective ballad about how a friendship can change for worse when its dynamic goes from platonic to romantic. When a friendship becomes romantic, it can be good. There is no awkward first date or “getting to know each other” phase. However, there is a new level to the existing relationship. It is easy to go from friends to lovers. However, it not as smooth going from lovers back to friends. There has been change in the relationship that you can’t undo. Carlay’s song is an emotional rollercoaster as she handles the changes in her friendship. Carlay waits until the bridge of the song to give the listener a backstory to her newfound romantic feelings. Carlay sings, “get too silly with the liquor and the fun.” In the chorus, she offers up an after effect to that situation by calling herself an “ex-friend.” After that lyric, Carlay asks the question, “why do people change?” Even though the story is not in order, we can piece together a case of one-sided feelings and a damaged friendship. You can tell by the sadness in her voice that this relationship meant a lot to her. The story does not come to a resolution, but I hope she was able to repair her friendship. Carlay is a songwriter/producer from Canada. In her Spotify bio, she calls herself a “big time crybaby.” If you need more heartbreak jams, you should check out her other song, “lose somebody” The track is about losing yourself during a breakup. The song has less electronic instrumentation than “laying in my bed with my best friend.” Therefore, you get the chance to hear a lot more emotion in her voice. Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW CARLAY:

Silver Lake describes a love story in their new song "Beaches." The dreamy alt-pop track describes the setting of a golden beach where the narrator lets us know she plans to spend the remainder of her lifetime there with her love, "When its all over // Please lay me down on golden beaches that tell us // That beauty has not yet left us." The track feels warm, like summer, and hopeful with the youthfulness that comes with the season. The visual below showcases beautiful shots of the duo taking strolls during sunlight, and flying a bright red kite. The song is a dream-like alt-pop song that feels like you've entered a trance. The sounds of electric guitars, synths, and even a vibraphone all come together to form this beautiful track. The lyrics depict a dreamy love story. The most beautiful line to be found is the chorus of the song, it describes a situation of being silent together and enjoying the moment instead of talking over it, "Ask me in the morning // I just want to listen right now // Ask me in the morning // I don't want to talk at all." A testament to true love, finding solace in the shared silence and not feeling the need to fill the quiet. Silver Lake is an alt-pop duo based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The duo is made up of musicians Marleen Hoebe and Jesse Koch who are musical partners, but partners in their personal lives as well. Their sound recalls a vintage style, but created with synthesizers and many different modern techniques. "Beaches" is their third single together as a duo, following previous singles "Under The Silver Lake" and "Violet" both that were released in 2022. Their unique sound makes them one to easily recognize, but also one to be on the look out for. Written By Kyle Stiver FOLLOW SILVER LAKE: