Belot recently released her funky dance-pop single "Driving to LA." This piece brings that "you only live once" kind of energy, as the song talks about just dropping everything and doing what you really want to do. Belot sings about how with getting older, it becomes difficult to make time with friends or to do things just for the sake of pleasure and not for the sake of having to do it. She sings about how the other person seems to have their life completely figured out while she is still in the process of chalking up a plan, so they should just drive to LA before they have to start their professional lives. The message of this song is a great reminder for listeners to take time for themselves, and to do activities that sound extremely fun just because. Just like her other pieces, this single is absolutely electric and doesn't fail to bring that high-energy beat that Belot always produces. Even from the very first milli-second, the upbeat melody begins. I like how all the sounds kind of start at once so that the energy is kept consistent throughout the entire song. Whether it's her vocals or the melody, Belot succeeded in making every aspect of this song a certain level of happiness that makes listeners automatically happy as well. The melody has some bouncy beats to it and creates such a funky sound. As for her vocals, Belot has a very light and airy voice which is perfect for the tone of the piece as a whole. And with the lyrics, Belot sings about good times and living life to its fullest. All of these aspects make this piece the perfect feel-good song and strengthens Belot's reputation as an artist with the best electric tunes. Growing up in London, Belot was exposed to the music scene at a very young age and decided that she wanted to pursue music after attending a Paul McCartney show in Hyde Park. She attended Roadhouse workshops growing up and was able to be surrounded by writers and producers. Belot is relatively new to the music scene, as she began performing and releasing music within the past few years. She released multiple singles leading up to the release of her debut EP Electric Blue in 2020 and also has just released a new EP Harmless Fun as of June 10. Her funk-pop tunes have such a fun sound to them and are as colorful as Belot herself. Written By Melina Darlas FOLLOW BELOT:

“When It Wasn’t” is a reminiscing country ballad about the fleeting spark and subsequent extinguish of a relationship. Everyone has felt the spark of attraction and hopes it’ll grow into something more, something real. The real pain usually comes when you’ve put in effort and time into a relationship that simply ends up going nowhere. When it was something, and then when it wasn’t. Wild Fire crafts delicate and realistic narratives, filling the song with potential scenarios that everyone has experienced. And though they mourn the thought of a relationship extinguishing, they also uphold a vengeful attitude, realizing that they’re better off without hold of another person over their every action. The smooth background accompanies their sultry and smokey voices, projecting their feelings onto their words and actions. Wild Fire, made up of sisters Kelli and Kayla Iutzwig, draw upon their experiences as they continue to release real narratives. Their 2021 release “What If We Never Met” confirms this as it’s spent over sixteen weeks of Spotify editorial playlists like “Wild Country”, “Next in Nashville”, “Fresh Finds Country”, and “Fresh Finds”. Linda Wilson, President of the Texas Country Music Association, describes them as “one of the best up-and-coming young artist duos”. They’re truly setting the scene ablaze. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW WILD FIRE:

It’s hard to disappoint your parents. They’re older and have more life experience, so they think they know what’s best for you. Most of the time, they do, and you should trust their guidance. However, there are other times where their opinion may be wrong. In his song, “Boys in the Street,” Calum Scott reflects on one of these instances. Fortunately, love really does conquer all. This song does a really good job of storytelling. In the first verse, Scott touches on being young and pinpointing the start of the conflict. In the following verses, he sings about how the conflict progresses as he and his dad get old. The last verse is my favorite because we discover that Scott’s dad finally accepted him. It is unfortunate that his dad was on his deathbed when this happened. Still, it must be comforting to know the conflict came to a positive resolution. Another aspect of the song that I enjoyed was the simple instrumentation. Scott sings with a lot of emotion. The subtle flow of the piano really allows it to break through. Calum Scott was raised in the city of Hull in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. He discovered his love of music by becoming a drummer, but Scott was encouraged by his sister to pursue singing. In 2015, he auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent. He transformed Robyn’s upbeat dance tune, “Dancing on My Own” into a ballad. It caught the attention of the toughest judge, Simon Cowell who sent Scott straight to the semifinals. If you want to hear more of Calum Scott, his new album, Bridges, will be released on June 17th! Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW CALUM SCOTT:

The title is not sarcastic. Indie pop artist Plaid Brixx is "Doin' So Well". Like SO well. Feeling upbeat and want to double down on some endorphins? Feeling super depressed and need to steal someone else's? Take some from here, I have a feeling Plaid Brixx won't notice, but I bet they would share happily if they did notice. The cover art captures the vibe accurately to the point where you don't really need to pay attention to my interpretation. But I'll give it anyway. Have you ever done a backflip from a rope swing, splashing into cool river water in the summertime? Neither have I, but I imagine it would feel something like this song. The vibe is set with layered, country-adjacent anthem vocals, featuring introspective lyricism that I would usually find nauseatingly positive, but that manages to keep its grip on sincerity and relatability. Plaid Brixx rejects the modern trend of "being dark and broody" to focus on the bright and shining moments that life gives us. A drum loop sets the song off before the organic additions of an acoustic guitar and a drumset enter to anchor the song in an electro Rascal Flatts energy. Plaid Brixx is an indie pop artist based in Colombus, Ohio. Their 2014 debut EP, Chemistry, was well-received critically, receiving a nomination at the Independent Music Awards and they have been working together ever since. They have performed at prestigious events like South By Southwest and with acts such as BORNS, Matt and Kim, and even DJ Khaled. The infectiously positive vibe that Plaid Brixx create has everything you need for upbeat indie summer anthems. Written By *George McSherry* FOLLOW PLAID BRIXX:

“Heartless” isn’t just your average breakup song. It’s a dark and moody reflection on a toxic relationship. Instead of focusing on a breakup and the feelings after it, Nolf chooses to pinpoint the exact moment that you realize the crash of the relationship isn’t worth it. How you blissfully ignored the red flags around you as you tried to salvage this relationship from its fiery end. But now that it’s over, things are seen in a clearer light. But despite the messy end, you still want more. You willfully ignore your heart’s longing and try to logically conclude how this relationship was poisoning you with heartlessness. David Nolf expertly uses the imagery of a fiery car crash off of a bridge to describe the tsunami of emotions swelling through you. Besides the catchy hook, the production of the song relies on the epic drop and booming of the bass to hammer in the heartless nature. This song has a dark atmosphere that’s accompanied with gritty drums and echoing synths. David Nolf is a relatively new artist, but he brings a fresh perspective and attitude to the pop-edm scene. Performing at a variety of small gigs around LA and Hollywood, he’s slowly built a name for himself with dark and gritty songs that are partnered with soulful and heartwrenching lyrics. “Heartless” is only a taste of things to come as Nolf carves out a place for himself in the scene. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW DAVID:

Life sure is sweet, especially when you’re listening to Dreaming Soda’s flavorful debut song “Caramel.” With nostalgic pop sounds mixed with groovy synth sounds, the end result is an altogether unique production. If happiness was a song, it would be “Caramel.” If the flavors of a cake were a song, it would be "Caramel." There is something original and exciting about the nature of the tasteful track that Dreaming Soda has baked for us. With lyrics about the sweetness of sugar and delightful flavors of caramel, you can almost taste the colorful details of the song. The voiceover from a child remarking “it tastes very nice and sweet” provides a nostalgic touch, reminding you of the euphoria you once experienced as a child, indulging in the sweetness of your favorite treat for the first time. It reminds you of the times you baked cookies with your parents. The smell wafting through the kitchen. The excitement of the first bite. For those who are past childhood, the song can be perceived as a flirtatious back-and-forth expressed through baking analogies. The hook is especially captivating, describing how “you got me caramelized in your caramel eyes.” The song also talks about “trying it before biting it,” and the artist admits, “I like you, but it’s way too soon.” This creative approach makes the song even more original and fun. Dreaming Soda is a rising musical duo consisting of Ella Sterland and Renee Stein, who describe themselves as chaos-pop artists who create music about “all those niche memories from growing up just before the internet.” Adding specific analogies to their music, from a biscuit tin filled with sewing threads to scabbing at recess for canteen cash, the duo pays tribute to little moments from their childhood that they hope can resonate with the collective. Their colorful approach to music and unique lyrical melodies are sure to set them up for success. Listen to “Caramel” out now! Written By Chelsea Luo FOLLOW DREAMING SODA:

In "Need Me Now", LIAS shaped a smooth, hypnotic sound. No matter where you may find yourself, pair it with a coffee and cigarette breakfast to be taken to a contemplative misty mountain morning. The track's somber nature, set in heartbreak, is offset by a sincerity and finesse that lends a comforting power to the music. Despite the electronic production that features, the song has an undeniably organic, vintage feel to it, like a stick-n-poke tattoo or pressing your head against cold, raindrop-laden windows. The song introduces itself with a clean drum loop that anchors the song before adding the core elements of LIAS's stirring vocals and piano into the mix. It's not only the palpable energy of the vocals that raise hairs on your neck, but also the hauntingly relatable lyricism employed to paint the instilling imagery of relationship post-mortems. The piano fills are paired with lo-fi effects and muted bass to establish an ethereal sonic space where I implore you to get lost in catharsis. LIAS is a Berlin-based indie-electronic artist who employs a raw honesty in his music, using his classical vocal training to break down his varied and profound emotions, ranging from fear of failure to suffering of separation. LIAS took professional detours in his adult life, working in investment banking and the world of startups before launching his solo career. Despite the seguets into the non-musical, LIAS' affinity and proclivity for music is well-established; as a boy he worked as a soloist with established acts such as Jose Carreras and the Bavarian State Opera, honing his talents on some truly grand stages. Written By *George McSherry* FOLLOW LIAS:

The vibes of your new single “No Love” are unmatched, I am obsessed! Can you share the story behind this track and a glimpse into the writing process? Jeyaia: Thank you so much, I appreciate that! I wrote 'No Love' back in 2019, inspired by a connection I was in at the time. I had this feeling inside that needed to burst out of me, and the lyrics and melody were the avenue for that story to leave my body. The song describes those relationships where everything starts amazingly, the attraction is undeniable... but then all our inner securities start to get triggered, and we watch as the connection crumbles around us, due to our own fears. My favourite lyrics in the song are "I've forgotten how to breathe" as that was the feeling inside that I wanted to let go of and heal, through the music. When was music first introduced into your life? Was it something you always knew you wanted to pursue or did the realization come later in life? Jeyaia: I had music playing all around me when I was still in the womb. Both of my parents were in a blues band while I was growing up, and music has always been my everything. It's the air I breathe. We also spent a lot of time at my nan & pop's house where they would play all the jazz greats on the vinyls. That's when I fell in love with Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald. I always wanted my life to revolve around music, but for a long time I didn't think I had any musical "talent". My original music is the result of me evolving into my own self-discovery and expressing my truth, as a woman, a soul, an artist. I am a huge concert buff, so I always love to ask this question...what is the best concert you’ve ever been to? And is there an artist you hope to see perform live that you haven’t gotten around to yet? Jeyaia: I am dying to see Cleo Sol and Pip Millett in concert! I really enjoy small intimate performances like the Sofar events. As for the best concert, I've seen Mariah Carey in concert 4 times, as she was probably the largest influence of my childhood and a huge inspiration for me vocally. As a child, I used to sing her songs on repeat to practice her riffs and crazy octave changes! Is there a song out there you wish you’d written? Like every time you listen to it you think, man, why didn’t I think of that first? Jeyaia: Ooooh good question... I mean, I would have loved to written and performed 'Promises' by Cleo Sol, but it's her energy, her unique expression that makes the song; so likewise, I would have written it differently anyway hehe. That's the thing about music; each song is a manifestation of our unique frequency, which can never be copied. Also Whitney Houston's 'I Have Nothing' is one of the greatest songs ever, in my opinion. What do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t pursuing music? Jeyaia: Not possible! Ha, I wouldn't be on this planet. However, my second greatest love is spirituality & mindset, and I'm an energetic alchemist and psychic intuitive channeller so that plays a huge role in my life. I help awakened souls with big dreams to awaken their psychic abilities and superhuman healing & manifestation powers. I love it!! Anything else planned for this year that you can share?! After these last couple releases, I can’t wait to hear more! :) Jeyaia: Thank you so much! Yesss, I have some spicy releases upcoming! My next release is a very exciting collaboration with an incredible producer, followed by more of my originals... watch this space! Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW JEYAIA:

“I gave you all my love, how am I not enough?” This lyric fragment from ‘Where Do We Go From Here?’ by MisterWives is like heartache in a glass box; so transparent that we can't deny its existence any longer. This funky 80s-influenced tune revolves around the emotions we unleash when trust is broken. The fear of getting hurt again is very distinct; rooted in worthlessness, jealousy and pure anger. In the eyes of frontwoman Mandy Lee, you shouldn’t try to suppress these feelings or run away from them. It’s much healthier to make space for them. This song is that space; a disco night paradise where your flitting emotions can simply fly into the wind! I’m stunned by Mandy Lee’s effortlessly strong vocals. They’re supercharged by the surrounding sound of effervescent synths (reminiscent of ABBA!) and guitar. Moving between emotions at every step, the writing perfectly encapsulates each one so it stands out. “Every time I think it’s fine...to let you in and trust again, you go ahead and change my mind.” The sheer exasperation here in the bridge is incredible, and it feels like your thoughts are festering beneath the surface. Slowly but surely, MisterWives hits a powerful climax and then closes on a high note that’s pure bliss. I’m obsessed! Returning with their new duet of singles, MisterWives have really outdone themselves! 'Where Do We Go From Here?' compliments another impressive song 'Easy' (which has also been reviewed on our blog!) to usher in the band’s new era. They’ve also created their own label, Resilient Little Records, in partnership with PhotoFinish Records/Virgin Music. They’ve previously opened for popular bands like Paramore, Panic! at the Disco and Twenty One Pilots. Now, the five-piece band is currently headlining their biggest tour yet! Go follow them! And be sure to check out their website for tour dates and tickets to their upcoming shows! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW MISTERWIVES:

With her first single in two years, Laken Lambson creates a song around the feeling of the world moving so fast around you. In "Bored," Lambson discusses this feeling of fear by questioning if she's being stagnant, "I live in fear // of standing still // that I can't do // what I said I will." It's this fear that motivates us to continue working on things important to us, but as we do this it feels like the world around us is moving so fast we cannot cope with how we are feeling. We ask ourselves the question, are we wasting our time? The song is a moody alt-pop track with very drum pad heavy production. The track opens with an almost droning like synth that reintroduces itself in the chorus. The lyrics are brutally honest about this fear of wasting time, "So afraid to waste my life // that I do it in the meantime // and when everybody's sleeping I stay up all night just to stare at the ceiling." Lambson mourns the loss of boredom, as she's constantly working to make sure she's not wasting time. Lambson also discusses the idea of putting faith in someone to help make her plans a reality, "The map's in your hands // It's not healthy // Can't rely on myself // To make my dreams come true." It's a fear of trust when you physically cannot do it all, you feel a loss of power over your own destiny. Laken Lambson is an Utah based alt-pop artist. "Bored" is her first single of 2022, and is the first release since "Game" in 2020. Lambson has reinvented herself from the days of recording in her bedroom, and working with producer Nate Pyfer. Lambson's lyricism is beautifully poetic and raw, discussing issues from deep inside of the human psyche. With a voice that feels effortless, she almost croons over her production. Lambson is one to watch out for. Written By Kyle Stiver FOLLOW Laken Lambson:

Alessiah’s song, “Summer Feelings,” is a bright pop tune about the comings and goings of the summertime. I remember being in school and enjoying my summer. Before I knew it, I would be watching TV and JCPenney’s back to school advertisement would flash onto the screen. Even if you’re not in school anymore and have to work, you can still get a kind of mini summer by taking a vacation. You’re just as sad, if not more so, when the vacation ends, and you have to face the real world again. Whatever the situation is, I am sure we can all relate to the sadness that Alessiah is singing about. I enjoyed the overall instrumentation of the track. The happy mood made it a great musical representation of summer itself. I also enjoyed how Alessiah reflects on her summer memories. The lyrics do a good job of appealing to the senses. For instance, the opening line on the second verse is, “I just need one more taste of that lemonade.” Similarly, the chorus has a lyric that goes “…laying in the field under purple skies.” The fact that Alessiah remembers what the lemonade tasted like or the color of the sky ensures that the memories will be stored forever in her mind. This way, she can always remember those good times. If you liked “Summer Feeling” and want more upbeat jams, you should check out Alessiah’s other song, “Darling.” It is even more upbeat than “Summer Feeling” and reflects on the feeling of being in love. The songs kind of relate to one another because romance definitely heats up in the summertime! I hope you feel inspired to go make some memories! Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW ALESSIAH:

”SIRENS” is a lyrical masterpiece of a song, discussing the topics of trauma and how it effects people and those around us. Past events impact us more than we think, and often times our feelings can be skipped over and made to feel invalid. “SIRENS” opens up the discussion about what it’s really like to deal with traumatic memories in our lives. Ahern‘s single is a song that has the intention to bring hope of healing to those who can relate to having some sort of problem in their lives. ”Please don’t get to close to me/ I’m not ready yet to explain to you…”, were my favorite lyrics in this single. Not only powerful and relatable, but also comforting in a way I felt. So often after we experience something traumatic, people in our lives tend to brush over feelings and have a hard time understanding why we might change or be cautious. I felt like these phrases showed how healing has no timeline. There is no rush for someone to recover or “get better”, our emotions and trauma have their own timeline and it’s okay to not necessarily be ready to talk about it or to resume how your life used to be. I felt like “SIRENS” created a safe place for me in way. Opening the doors to have conversations about these topics and doing so in a way that approaches it not as something to turn away from, but something to embrace and work through. Songwriter and musician, Ally Ahern continues to bring her fans relatable and heartfelt music. Many of Ahern’s music is a reflection of her own life and personal trials. The young artists likes to share her advice and perspective through the medium of her songs. With powerful vocals and the use of many instruments, including drums, guitar and piano, Ally creates hit after hit. More new releases are in the near future for Ally Ahern, so keep your ears open for more great music! Written By Emily Hancock FOLLOW ALLY AHERN: