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From the get go, I was hooked on "Do It All Again" by Castells. The song starts off with an epic electric guitar intro, almost reminding me of a Paramore track. As soon as the verse starts, it features drums with vocals that will hook anyone who has a half decent ear for music. Apart from the excellent production, the lyrics are relatable to anyone who has been in a on-and-off-again relationship. The story behind this single is about a guy ,being in a reflective state, thinking about how he'd do things differently if they were to "make amends" and get back together. He is faced with the harsh reality that he is still very much in love with his ex (...ouch...), but if he "could be any wiser", would things be different this time around? Is this ever the case when you get back with your ex? Are things truly different the second (or third) time around? It is a thought provoking concept that I think most people, who has been in a serious relationship before, have contemplated about. I went into this Indie-rock quartet's background and saw their first music video was uploaded the 2nd of February 2018. Comparing their sound from "Do You Remember" to their latest release, I am impressed and pleased to say that "Do It All Again" is on a whole new level. In this track, there were various parts that hooked me, but what stood out was that it is evident that a lot of effort was put into making each part of the band feature, which is beautiful. Its an epic pop/rock track and as all seasoned musicians will agree, this track is why experience and practice is essential to your success in music. I am excited to see what success awaits Castells on their journey. Performing at sold out shows in venues such as Omeara, Moth Club and Camden Assembly; supporting bands like Luna Bay, Spinn, Youth Killed it and Only Sun since 2018. They also had their first headline show in February 2021 at The Grace, Islington. During their EP release in 2021, they picked up support from Abby McCarthy on BBC Introducing in Kent. This indie pop/rock track is what happens when dedication meets talent. Front man Connor Crooks, Robert Castelino (Guitar), Matt Chittenden (Bass) and Marc Smith (Drums) sounds like they are the dream team. After all this success, it comes as no surprise that the band have built up a loyal fanbase. Congratulations lads because you just won over another fan with this absolute banger of a track, "Do It All Again"! Written By Nicholas Joubert FOLLOW CASTELLS:

Q: Congratulations on the release of ‘Bad Girls’! What inspired you to write this song? Mina: I probably had a crush on a girl at the time and tend to be melodramatic. I think I asked myself, "What must it be like to be so in love with someone who is hurting you, that you can’t, even if you wanted to“? For more intricate details you’d have to ask my subconscious what it wanted to tell me. Q: Can you tell us a bit about your songwriting process? Mina: I was having dinner one night with my boyfriend and my roommate at the time in my little student home flat and after we had finished our food (and had some wine), I was drawn to my Ukulele and started alternating between the two chords that make up most of the song. It just kind of happened. Bad Girls really was a fun thing that came out of a fun evening with friends. Andy (the boyfriend) then got out a bass guitar and jammed along. I played around with the chords and lyrics and 'Bad Girls' is the result. Q: When did your love for music begin? Mina: Some of my earliest memories include being on a swing in kindergarten and inventing songs and singing. I don’t remember it beginning, it was always just there. Music is everywhere around us, even before we are born. I believe I was just really fond of being surrounded by music as much as possible. Q: Who are your biggest music influences? Mina: I grew up listening to a lot of Amy Winehouse, P!nk and Vaya Con Dios. I always liked strong women, who dared to move beyond societal and gender norms. Lola Marsh have definitely influenced my music and so has Joan as Policewoman. Sometimes it is how a song is structured or how a certain melody unfolds where I see the music I love, gently pushing mine forward. Q: If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, which would you pick and why? Mina: Oh that is a tough question! Maybe Run for Love by Joan as Policewoman, or Caught Out In The Rain by Beth Hart. Both make me feel my body and my existence in a way that (I believe) drugs never could. Q: What can we expect next from you? We’re so excited for more! Mina: My debut EP "Jaywalker“ comes out May 6th! Before that I have two more single releases coming on March 11th and April 8th! I also go on Tour in Germany with my band and can’t wait to play live again! Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW MINA:

“Nothing comes easy.” Isn’t it ironic that as kids, we couldn't wait to turn 18? Learning to drive, winning the lottery, and all the “perks” of adulthood were right in our fingertips. But nothing could prepare us for the mental and emotional hitting of rock bottom. Life throws its punches and blocking them can be like fighting a ghost. ‘Salt’ by Estella Dawn recognizes the lack of control we feel in those moments. It also acknowledges the compounding impact of the world on our well-being. Challenges and coping strategies will differ for each person, but we’re all just trying our best. That's what counts! The underlying analogy of wolves to piling stressors is an impressive depiction of various coping mechanisms. When our inner wolves are on the hunt, you can either blend in and lose yourself or run away and flee from your problems. That catch-22 is incredibly validating, and the rest of her lyrics do the same! A catchy beat is made even stronger by Estella’s fierce, agile vocals. A stripped-down bridge with piano and strings allows her to intimately express her pent-up frustrations. Relaying a passionate message with such raw emotion and charisma, this blooming queen of pop deserves an encore! The New Zealand born, U.S.-based pop artist, producer and multi-instrumentalist has a deep creative well that feeds her ambitious vision. Often writing about empowerment and confidence, her music has landed her on the media base Radio Top 40 chart and several major Spotify playlists. Her work has been compared to outstanding female pop icons like P!nk, Halsey and Sia. Her new single ‘Salt’ spearheads a full-length album due later this year. Her next single ‘Buzz Cut’ comes out in March so stay tuned for that! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW ESTELLA:

Q: Congrats on the release of ‘Cold Feet’! What is the story behind this song? Dom: Cold Feet has been a part of my live set for some time and one which people have been waiting for. It's a song that captures the emotions of nostalgia and romantic reflection. Cold Feet is one you can listen to whether you are trying to get over someone or have finally moved on. It’s got a great juxtaposition of being this upbeat, almost groovy song, but the lyrics are almost heart wrenching. I’m so happy it’s finally out! Q: What does your songwriting process look like? Dom: A lot of fun! I usually start with a guitar or piano and once something comes together, I start to hear the arrangement in my head. I then work on the production, structure and instrumentation at home. Once I’m happy with the demo I re-track the parts in the studio. Q: If you could play a show anywhere in the world, where would you pick and why? Dom: It would have to be Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Colorado, USA. It’s so cool! Q: Who would you say are your biggest music influences? Dom: Anything where the lyrics and melody work in harmony. Artists like John Mayer, Ben Howard, Mumford and Sons. Q: If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what do you think you’d be doing? Dom: I definitely would be in a creative profession, I’m an avid cook and started to train to be a chef before making music full time. Maybe a graphic designer or psychologist is something which has always interested me. Q: If you could talk to your younger self, what advice would you give them? Dom: I think part of life is learning from your mistakes and though at times that can be tough, I feel it builds character and creates a well-rounded person. For younger Dom, I say: never doubt what you love, believe in your talent and be true to yourself! Don’t let others discourage you from going after what you want. Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW DOM:

Villains are often misunderstood in their motives and aspirations. They blame someone else for their problems, but that’s a dangerous assumption. They often don’t realize the damage they inflict until it’s too late. ‘Karma’ by Cam M. speaks on the ramifications of manipulation. Our negative thoughts about others directly reflect how we view ourselves. “Was it better in Wonderland? Who’s the villain now?” It’s a message to consider the consequences of our actions before we start a wildfire. Starting rumors about someone or playing victim will come back to bite us later. A twisted Disney fairytale is brought into reality with the mysterious intro. “I wash your self-proclaimed validity down the drain...pour acid down their throats.” Cam’s sassy lyricism is delightfully dark and vivid, contributing to a deep-seated villainous energy. Her hypnotic vocals are so mesmerizing that you’re put in an inescapable trance. Deep, distorted harmonies are like shadowy figures in your mind. It’s as if our darker selves are singing along with us, revealing the true villain lurking underneath. Stunning vocal and instrument effects seal the deal on the creepy vibes. It’s hauntingly beautiful. Camille Merendail (Cam M.) is an indie/dark pop singer-songwriter who brings authenticity to her own thought process. A lifelong singer, she started gigging and songwriting at 13. She opened for the RISE music series at the Isabella Stewart Garner Museum, and she’s even performed as a guest artist at the Tour Music Fest in Rome! She draws influence from artists like Billie Eilish and Melanie Martinez to create dark, compelling melodies. ‘Karma’ is Cam’s first release of 2022. Stay tuned for more of her spectacular music! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW CAM:

Q: “Crying In A Church” is such a powerful song! What inspired you to write it? Jillian: This particular song came from a personal experience, as the title says, it is literally something that I did one night when I was really feeling down about my life and the things that were going on in it. I would go out by myself and visit the North End in Boston frequently, and on that main street, there is a church called St. Leonards, and I would go there to pray and meditate a lot during the night hours when there were no masses going on. The church is very beautiful and is surrounded by statues of saints that you can go up to and pray to. There was one night where I was completely alone in the church and I just broke down and cried to all of these saints and God and was just questioning my faith because there was so much pain and trauma going on in my life at that point. Then one day while I was sitting at my desk at work, I just started writing some lyrics to this experience, in literal terms, just thinking about that night and just started with the lyric, "I'm crying in a church right now", and it just flowed from there because it was such a real experience. Q: What first got you into music? Jillian: Since I was a baby there was always music playing in my house since my parents loved music. But I think I really got my love for music from my Nana, who recently passed away. She was a very talented pianist and played completely by ear since she was 2 years old. She would sing to me as a baby to get me to stop crying, especially the song "When You Wish Upon A Star" from the Disney movie Pinocchio. Then when I got older I started to learn piano by ear as well and would always want to sing everywhere I went. So I joined choirs in school and sang in church for many years at my parish. When I got to college I started writing songs and joined bands there and that really sent me head first into music as a career. But none of this would have been possible without my Nana as she passed her gifts down onto me, and I dedicate all of this to her. Q: What was studying at Berklee College of Music like for you? Jillian: Berklee was a surreal experience for sure. It almost feels like it was all a dream now. I got accepted there after I auditioned with one of my own songs, so it was thrilling to be able to go there knowing that my songs were "good enough" I suppose. I ended up majoring in Songwriting and got to study with some awesome professors. I met some great people there who helped me record my first EP, "Truly, Madly, Deeply" in the huge studios Berklee has, so that was a really fun experience. I also met my best friend and producer of this latest EP, Jayesh Prakash, while at Berklee, and he became one of the most important people in my life. He really understood what I was trying to communicate in this music and executed it perfectly and I will always be grateful to him. Q: If you could swap places with any artist in the world for a day, who would you pick and why? Jillian: I don't know if I would really want to swap places with another artist, because we are all our own unique selves and create our music differently. I really look up to a lot of artists like Kate Bush and Carly Simon, and would love to hang out with them and have a great conversation about music with them, since they are the artists I have connected and related to the most. Q: What are your favorite hobbies to do outside of music? Jillian: I played a lot of sports most of my life, and really enjoyed playing basketball especially. I love watching basketball and have a job where I am able to watch it in person all the time which is super enjoyable. I also like to swim and go on walks to clear my head. I am also an avid Disney World goer and am obsessed with Harry Potter. Slytherin House for life! Q: What can we expect next from you? We can’t wait to hear more! Jillian: I am actually planning on moving to Nashville soon which is really exciting and will be a huge step forward for me on my musical journey. I'm hoping to get to work on recording my debut album there and get to work with some really talented musicians. I have so much music in the vault that I am itching to record and Nashville is really the best place to do that for me. I'll keep you updated on all that! Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW JILLIAN:

Their smile. Their voice. The memories you shared with them. There’s a mix of nostalgia and heartache when it comes to those who are no longer in our lives. It’s like we lose a part of ourselves when they’re gone. Providing an outlet to celebrate the people who’ve inspired us, ‘Way Up’ by Soran shows the full spectrum of sensations that come with loss. “I swear I’ll keep my head way up. I’ll keep on trying.” What wishes would that person have for us? No doubt they’d want us to keep going! This song is a message from our future selves that we WILL get through the grieving process. It’s a beautiful motivator for persistence! Soran has such an evocative voice that it stops you in your tracks! His confessional narrative is an honorable tribute to his mother, who was tragically lost. In fact, one notable thread across his music is keeping his mother’s memory alive. “You deserve the tears.” When combined with his unique concoction of alternative R&B, lo-fi and electronic sounds, the song becomes an uplifting bop that’s 10/10 relatable. The kind of intimacy he displays for his audience is legendary. Grab a box of tissues because this artist will move you in a way you’ve never experienced before! The Montreal-based half-French, half-Japanese artist grew up surrounded by his father’s instruments. A 15-second video playing guitar in his bedroom began his exponential rise on social media. A year after getting noticed on La Voix (The Voice), he released his first single ‘I Wish’ and opened for several established Canadian artists. His debut EP has garnered over 10 million streams worldwide. He has continued to achieve monumental success through hit collaborations and stellar creativity. ‘Way Up’ is his first release of 2022 and he’s currently on an L.A. tour. More great things are coming for Soran later this year so stay tuned! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW SORAN:

We've all been in love with someone that made us feel a sort of "high". But it's not always good. This person we're in love with is literally an addiction, and we don't know how to get sober from them. 'Drugs' by Anarbor explains this feeling of wanting to get away from someone but having trouble bringing yourself to do it because when you're with them, it feels so good. No matter how bad of an influence this person is, you can't seem to get away. You try to, but the longer you're away from them the worse the withdrawal gets. 'Drugs' by Anarbor is probably one of the catchiest songs I've heard so far this year. Their sound is almost classic, but with their own modern twist. The lead singer and bassist, Slade Echeverria, has such an ear-pleasing tone to his voice that makes you want to sing along with him. "I can feel all the sounds that you hear, I can taste all the words that you say when you’re looking at me". How genius are those lyrics? Anarbor had no problem relating to all of us who have experienced this type of relationship. Anarbor is a band based out of Phoenix, Arizona. Despite some changes of members throughout the years, they've been going strong since 2003. Anarbor has had many amazing opportunities such as touring in several different countries, as well as providing theme songs for quite a few TV shows. With over 1.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, there's no doubt this band will continue to be successful. Their unique and lively sound is guaranteed to captivate you. 'Drugs' be stuck in your head from the moment you listen to it! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW ANARBOR:

What comes to mind when you think "I'm calling a love line?". Hopefully NOT the love lines one would've called in the 80's when you're lonely. 1-800-LOVELINE is this brother and sister duo's sophomore track. It starts off with a catchy beat, especially the base lines which draws one's attention almost instantaneously. Starting pop tracks with a chorus is a popular technique to use nowadays, because it serves as the hook. Brilliant! The track then follows with smooth vocals, reminding one of Lily Allen's track "Smile". I am impressed by the lead vocalist's technique as she easily glides between chest & head voice. 1-800-LOVELINE boasts a laid back retro vibe and the cover art reminds me of a scene from the 50's & 60's. This track is definitely on brand for the duo, considering their first release in 2021, Strange Kind Of Love. Apart from 1-800-LOVELINE's catchy beat, vocals and the hook, I am curious about the lyrics and the message behind the track. "Three simple words, I couldn't tell you on my own" stood out to me and I am now circling back to my first question... Is this song dedicated to a potential love interest? Someone who is scared of giving you their number? Almost experiencing the same predicament we all did in middle school (and for some of us in high school). This track was released on Valentines Day 2022, a very strategic release date I'd say considering the story of this pop track. I'd argue the lead vocalist is experiencing a moment of bravery, taking on an empowered position and giving her crush her number - you go girl, its 2022! One thing is for certain that this track has epic laid back vibes and is something you can listen to pretty much anywhere. Whether it be a coffee shop, while studying, if you're feeling 420 vibes or in a diner (btw do those still exist?). In conclusion, it's a great track. Be sure to go check the track out and follow this duo on their socials to stay up to date with any new (and epic) releases. Written By Nicholas Joubert FOLLOW THE LOVELINES:

Q: Congrats on the release of ‘Can’t Lose You”! What inspired you to write this song? Elijah: I was inspired by a time my wife and I were going through a rough patch in our marriage. In that time there were a lot of disagreements and we weren’t on the same page about anything and it led us to a point of not knowing where each other stood in the marriage. So I wrote this song as a profession of my love for her and our daughter. Wanting them to know that regardless of hardships, the long hours at work or how crazy times may get. I wouldn’t trade their love for anything in this world and that’s what “Can’t Lose You” is all about. Q: What first got you into music? Elijah: I began making music in 2010. My first song was recorded in my friend's living room and I only sang the hook that he’d already pre-written. From there I began dabbling into music, understanding how to write songs and develop my lyricism and I tried different genre styles while doing so. I didn’t really discover my sound up until late 2019 and from there I began to identify what represents the type of artist I’m wanting to be. I really didn’t begin to take the music seriously until 2019 after my mom passed. It was all I could really go to and truly express my feelings and thoughts. From there, what turned into music as a therapeutic outlet, I realized that I have the potential to take things further and that’s when I decided to really put the work in and go all out. Q: What would you say is your favorite song of your own? You can only pick one! Elijah: As of right now I’d have to say my favorite song is “Need Me”. It’s my favorite song to perform no matter how big or little the crowd. I love all of my songs, but that song I can really feel it and I see other people feel it too. Q: If you could open a show for any artist, who would you pick and why? Elijah: If I could open up for any artist, it would be Drake. I’m a huge fan of his music and he has a diverse audience that’s there for a little bit of everything musically and I believe that my music would be a great mix with his for the type of audience that would be in attendance. Q: If you weren’t pursuing music, what do you think you’d be doing right now? Elijah: If I wasn’t pursuing music, I’d probably be doing a talk show or consulting. Q: What’s coming next from you? We can’t wait to hear more! Elijah: I have more music on the way and more visuals alongside the music. I’m also going to be performing outside of North Carolina more this year, I have shows set up around other parts of the country. This year you will be hearing more and seeing more of Elijah Rosario. I’m really excited about the new music that I have on the way, the type of music that I’m preparing to release is beautiful and I can’t wait to share it! Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW ELIJAH:

Isn't it interesting that two people never perceive an image in the exact same way? From optical illusions to daydreams, perspective is quite the phenomenon. What one person may see as attractive may elicit disgust from someone else. The fickle love story is no different. ‘Closer’ by Phe R.E.D.S regally captures the ebb and flow of a blossoming relationship. Its blend of conflicting emotions and dazzling ambiance will have you exploring different sides of yourself. It shows that no matter your past experiences, you can find love again! The savory hooks of the song stem from the conversational tone of the lyrics. Phe R.E.D.S offers the compelling narrative of a cautious, guarded individual who's been heartbroken before. Meanwhile, featured artist Catch24’s persona is encouraging him to open up and take the leap of faith with her. The pair's vocals embody a luscious, seductive tone that reels you in like a fishing line. The surreal atmosphere of R&B-infused synths transports you to the love dimension, where time slows down. It’s a romantic getaway in song form! Leng Phe (alias Phe R.E.D.S) is one of the most recent Seattle musicians to gain international acclaim. His stage name combines his last name with the acronym “Remember Every Dream Stolen.” It pays homage to his family, who were refugees from Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge. He's a well-known break-dancer (or b-boy) for AOM and a licensed private pilot. Through the former, the Cambodian-American artist was discovered and signed to independent record label H1GHR MUSIC. Having racked up 2.9 million streams over the last year alone, he's a rapidly rising R&B icon! ‘Closer’ marks the start of a new chapter and leads up to a larger project coming later this year! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW PHE R.E.D.S:

Burdens. Physical, emotional, invisible. There are times when we refuse to express certain worries and concerns to others. We often hide behind nonexistent curtains to mask the severity of our injuries. ‘Heavy’ by Soham reveals the weights that the universe seems to place on us. “I keep telling myself it gets better, but the weight’s too heavy to carry.” As an ode to mental health, this song is a green light to open up about our struggles. Our loved ones may not understand everything we’re going through, but even if all we ask them to do is simply listen to our soliloquy, they’ll no doubt understand and want to help! The soft strums of acoustic guitar blend well with Soham’s vulnerable, soft-spoken vocals. They create a sort of safe space where you can let your guard down and express yourself honestly. It’s clear that Soham wants people to feel comfortable speaking their minds! A somber orchestra ascends above the lyrics to encourage us to hold on to the hope of a better tomorrow! We’re not going to stay trapped in a swirling vortex forever. It’s a beautiful reminder that others out there are confronting similar circumstances and that you don’t have to fight back alone! Soham is a proud queer indie artist who’s self-taught, candid writing style creates a safe space for him and his audience. He started composing music as an expression of his feelings, conversations, and experiences. Focusing on mental health and the youth, his soothing voice brings a soulful relatability to his work. ‘Heavy’ is Soham’s debut single, and it’s filled with comforting gestures that really speak to your emotions. His awe-inspiring passion for his creations truly goes above and beyond! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW SOHAM: