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When I first heard “Staring At The Sky” by Thomas Lavine, I had a moment of quiet reflection. The complicated yet delicate feeling of looking up at the sky and wondering about your place in the world, all the while letting your worries dissipate, is an essence that Thomas Lavine captures perfectly. During the verse, there is a particular line that has a lot of weight to it: “the trail that I've walked so long covers my feet in dust.” This beautiful line symbolizes the lasting effects of past experiences and what it can do to a person. The title of the song “Staring At The Sky” offers the idea of looking beyond the ground and into the future, which is later complemented by the line “I feel like I'm in heaven” where after letting go, all that’s left is a peaceful bliss. Thomas Lavine uses a specific set of instruments that really brings home the message of his song. A soft acoustic guitar (doubled on both sides), a drifting piano, and an expert use of atmospheric synths leads to a unique but beautiful opening that is instantly memorable. As the song progresses on, a steady rhythmic section is introduced, providing momentum towards the end. A subtle but powerful detail is the doubling of the melody in the piano, which (when panned to the right) provides a beautiful echo effect. However, this song wouldn’t be the way it is without the beautiful voice that is Thomas Lavine. His soulful performance in this song will grasp you by the ears and bring you into an incredible story. Thomas Lavine is a folk singer/songwriter from Blacksburg, South Carolina. Featuring 2 separate albums and multiple singles, this heartfelt artist mastered his craft and is now showing us the results. You can find out more about his music, merch, and upcoming shows on his website, Instagram, and his Facebook. That being said, if you're feeling a summer night looking-at-the-stars kind of vibe, head on over to Spotify and give this amazing artist a listen! Written By Aaron Soltis FOLLOW THOMAS:

Physical attraction is an important starting point in a relationship. Imagine that you see someone who is as hot as Ryan Gosling in The Notebook . When you work up the nerve to talk to him, you discover that his personality doesn’t match his good looks. After the encounter, you never want to see him again. A healthy relationship can not be established on a movie star appearance alone. As the age old saying goes, “it’s what’s on the inside that counts." In “How Do I Do with You,” Restless Modern sings about meeting a beautiful girl and seeing her true colors, while also reflecting on how he let his emotions get the better of him. The song surprised me (in a good way) right off the bat. During the first few notes, I was expecting the song to have a calmer ballad-like mood. When the electric guitar started, the song’s mood changed, and I knew it was going to be more upbeat. The melody and harmonies gave me nostalgic 90’s boy band vibes. Even though he made the song upbeat, the reflective quality is still there. That is, he feels ashamed of letting his emotions overtake him. These lyrics perfectly sum up this point: “Fight the urge to need forgiveness when temptations rise.” If you want to hear more of Restless Modern, you should also listen to “I Hate That I’m Addicted to the Internet.” As the title states, Restless Modern sings about the hold that the digital world has on him. I think it is very relatable because of how much we rely on the Internet post-pandemic. Companies initially told their employees to work at home for social distancing purposes. Even though the pandemic is mostly under control now, companies are still letting employees work from home because it saves them money on office space. This sounds like a good arrangement…until the Wi-Fi cuts out! Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW RESTLESS MODERN

“Get In The Way” describes a situation most of us know all too well– not being able to move on from a relationship and your ex. “Just when I think I’m moving on, then I see your face.” Ellie D perfectly captures this post-breakup stage in her newest single. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to get over them, you can’t get your ex out of your head. It doesn’t matter who you’ve met or how great they could be, you simply can’t move on yet. Click here to Listen to "Get In The Way"! Chill and relaxed, yet heartbreakingly sad. “Get In The Way” combines these feelings to give the perfect tune to listen to when you’re thinking of past memories. The mix of calm beats, piano, and Ellie’s smooth voice create a song that you want to keep listening to over and over again. The vibes of this track are unparalleled to any other post-breakup song. The relatable lyrics make it easy to be in your feels, yet you can still sway your head to the beat and enjoy a good song. The way that groovy beats are combined with breakup lyrics makes this song memorable and unique. Ellie D found her way to the spotlight after her chill pop collaboration with Rando of “Passionfruit” by Drake. Since then, she has continued to work hard to create catchy and reflective songs for her audience. Ellie is not afraid to be vulnerable in her music, which makes her songs relatable to everyone. She does not have any projects coming up that we know of, but we can expect more great content in the future! Written By Emily Hancock FOLLOW ELLIE D:

Your new single “Grace Like Fire” is so fresh and exactly what music needs right now! What was the story behind this song? Cydney: Wow! Thank you so much!The song is about the cyclical nature of life; how one burns things down to create space for something new.This lesson was most obvious for me during the pandemic.It was such a tumultuous time for everyone, and in my case it was a massive catalyst of change.I left a job, moved from my home, left a relationship, and had to figure out how to quarantine without losing my mind haha. But I knew I needed to cut out the things that weren't working for me in order to create space for something that would. I know a big reason you got into music was because you’d sing in the car with your parents growing up, so I must know…what is your guilty pleasure song to belt when you’re in the car now? Cydney: Oh jeez- it’s a bit of an oldie now but River by Bishop Briggs!That chorus hits hard! Do you have a favorite memory from studying Voice at Berklee College of Music? Cydney: Definitely! My favorite class was a Motown ensemble with Lawrence Watson!What a fantastic teacher- so filled with musicianship and joy!It was a 9am class and he’d be clapping and dancing around- his class woke me up better than my morning coffee!He definitely taught how to perform and embody a song. I love the music video for your new single! The use of the paint and effects are incredible and so visually impressive! What was the inspiration behind it? Cydney: Thank you! Brian Michael Suggs directed, shot, and edited the video and we had so much fun making it! There are a lot of visual references in the song lyrically and we definitely played with that i.e. the use of fire and incorporating light bright references.The whole concept of the song is a phoenix rising from the ashes so we went with a stripped down almost naked look and juxtaposed that with a blacked out room and glow in the dark paint.We really tried to play with visual opposites in this one.Fun fact half of the video was shot in Brian’s bathtub! Tell us a bit about your company, The MoveShop! Cydney: Oh wow! You guys really did your research!Unfortunately, TheMoveShop disbanded a few years ago but it was a dance theater company that I was lucky enough to be a founding company member of.The group started in college and it was a theatrical experience that told stories through the use of dance, theater, and live music.It was one of my favorite things that I’ve ever been a part of and it’s still my favorite way to tell a story. What can we expect next from you? We can’t wait to see where this journey takes you! Cydney: I’m happy to say that I have a bunch of music waiting to be released this year!I’m excited to share more sides of myself & my sound in my next few releases!I really think it will surprise listeners.Also, Brian and I are currently dreaming up the next video!So stay tuned! Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW CYDNEY:

Romance movies are whimsical but often unrealistic. The type of love shared between the two characters is something most of us dream of, yet never experience. That’s not to say it’s impossible. Some of us find a love so grand, no film could ever compare. ‘Community College’ is Emma Bieniewicz’s tale of an epic romance. At the start of her first year of college, Bieniewicz has never had her given her heart to someone else. She walks in bright eyed and bushy tailed like all freshman do. Then she sees the person who will later become the love of her life. It doesn’t take long for the two to fall for each other. Through their next four years, their love grows to soaring heights. It’s a quiet sort of love, one that fits so perfectly, it makes the movies seem lackluster in comparison. Lately, I’ve been watching period drama romances. The courting, the dancing; this ambience has locked in my attention. When listening to ‘Community College’, I was enraptured by the orchestral solo before the last repetition of the chorus. Violins are present throughout the song, but this solo is where the beautiful instrument takes the spotlight. This solo, specifically, I can imagine being played at a 19th century ball. I picture couples dancing to the music and falling in love with each step. This song makes you feel all the warm fuzzies of a whirlwind romance. Furthermore, I find this song to resonate equally in a modern context. Whether you’re currently a college student or not, most of us wish to be swept up in a romance like Bieniewicz describes. Some of her lyrics that particularly stood out to me were, “Just like a movie/ But better cause we skipped all the fighting/ And jumped headfirst into the lake”. These lyrics are what I imagine it’s like to be in a relationship that seems almost too good to be true. The movies can’t even compare to that type of love. Any romantic at heart can find themselves listening to this song and dreaming that one day they too can find a love like this. Growing up, Emma Bieniewicz was surrounded by music, with both of her parents being musicians. Based in Grand Rapids, MI, Bieniewicz released her debut album ‘Bloated’ in February of last year. Her album was several years in the making and showcased her impressive vocal range and other musical talents. Since releasing her album, she’s released two singles, ‘Community College’ and ‘My Bad’. Her album and singles can all be streamed on Spotify! Written By Maddy Mahady FOLLOW EMMA:

“Broken Morning” is a personal pop track that goes deep into Gabi DeMartino’s emotional breakdown one morning. Everyone has had those moments where you feel like you can’t go on. You’re so overwhelmed with people, things to do, and stress that you can’t focus on your feelings. Before you know it, you’re at the end of your rope and breaking down entirely. Gabi’s new single is reminder that in the end, it’s just a bad morning, not a bad life. Sometimes you just need to feel your feelings and know you’ll be okay. Gabi’s latest single uses pop elements and beats without being too overwhelming. Overall, there is a chill-pop vibe that reflects the mood of the lyrics well. “I know life can be good, it’s just a broken morning.” Gabi has masterfully created lyrics to show the hopeful side of a breakdown– that it’s only this moment that’s bad, not my whole life. The lyrics are extremely emotional and relatable as Gabi sings about being scatterbrained, feeling confused, and persevering through it all. It is the lyrics that are crafted so carefully that really make this song have strong feeling. Gabi DeMartino has found much success starting back in 2012 when she built a name for herself on YouTube with her joint channel with her twin sister. The channel, Niki & Gabi, was widely popular and had over 9.5 million subscribers. The girls also released a single together in 2017 which charted in the Top Pop 100 on iTunes. Gabi came into her solo career in 2020 releasing her song “Not Today”. Gabi also recently released another single, “Immaculate”, which will be featured on her upcoming album Paintings of Me– which is set to come out early May. We can’t wait to hear more tunes from Gabi DeMartino! Written By Emily Hancock FOLLOW GABI DEMARTINO:

Here’s an invigorating tune to help you appreciate the finer things in life! ‘Timeless’ by HOLLISS is a beautiful representation of a slow and steady love that never fades. With the rise of Tinder and ghosting, that kind of consistency is harder to find these days. So when you find lifelong partners and forever friends, the memories you make are priceless! Your future looks brighter with them in the picture. Treasure that happy-go-lucky sort of love with a song that’s equally as “timeless”! Nostalgia knocks on your doorstep as the feel-good vibes of this song take you to your happy place. “It just feels right staying up til sunrise, sipping on a fine wine; mid-September, Earth, Wind & Fire." The lyrics celebrate beautiful moments in life that last! HOLLISS has an elegant voice that glistens with the beautiful string and synth accompaniment. You become enamored as she fills you with hope for the future and thankfulness for what you have now. Forget stress and fear! I want this irresistible energy to drive my mornings! HOLLISS really knows how to elevate your mood! Like Dua Lipa and Shawn Mendes, she thrives on taking classic sounds and incorporating them into modern pop masterpieces. Her blends include anywhere from cinema soundtracks to timeless 70s grooves. She’ll make you feel like the main character with refreshing messages and relatable stories. ‘Timeless’ is a testament to her radiant energy and superstar potential. I can’t wait to see what she gives us next! Go check her out! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW HOLLISS:

“Little Sister” is a bright and mellow song about living in someone’s shadow, the struggles of being the little sister. Costello’s voice is defiant; it’s clear she knows the struggle of constantly being compared. To struggle between loving big sister and role model, but also knowing you want to make your own mistakes, experiment with your own ideas, and become your own person. Costello’s wavering yet determined voice only serves to prove the intimate and personal nature of this song. Though this song is influenced by rock, it’s clear that Costello is bringing her country-pop style into her foray into a new genre. Costello expertly glides through her range, meticulously crafting her nuances and inflections to create a relatable story that’s realistic and reflective. From the background beat of the drums to the melodic harmonies of the guitars, “Little Sister” slowly inches its way into an explosive chorus, one that also makes the audience “scream from the top/of my lungs”. Costello does a phenomenal job writing and crafting her narrative to be relatable; even if we aren’t a little sister, we’re a big sister or have someone who we think of as a role model. And as much everyone loves their role models, they don’t necessarily wish to become them. From the young age of 7, Ainsley Costello has performed in a variety of school talent shows and musical theater productions, studying piano, guitar, vocal performance, and songwriting. Graduating from high school at 16, she was accepted at Berklee College of Music, studying in their Business Degree program. At seventeen years old, Ainsley has performed over 130 shows in 10 different states. Costello doesn’t want to just be a one-hit-wonder; she’s striving to create meaningful works, something that people can connect to and be inspired by. As she shifts over towards more pop-alternative music, Ainsley Costello is definitely one to watch out for as she continues to step foot and make waves in the industry. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW AINSLEY:

Have you ever been torn between two options? Honestly, who hasn’t? That sensation feels like your heart and mind just became fierce rivals in a game of tug-of-war. It's especially vexing when you can’t pinpoint exactly how you feel about someone. ‘Out of Control’ by Vella gives this battleground the 5-star treatment. “Why can’t I let these feelings go? Stuck in a cycle it feels like oh; you got me spiraling out of control.” She speaks about the difficulties of leaving a toxic relationship. Her mind sees the red flags, but her heart still loves this person. The disparity becomes a glorious, tea-spilling anthem that’s sure to have you singing along! The song has this nostalgic retro-soul feel that is super refreshing to listen to. You get this modern production of drums, horns and harmonies that drive this infectious rhythm. While you’re bopping your head to the groove, Vella seizes your attention with sassy and soulful vocals. “If you know what you got right here, baby I ain’t going anywhere; cuz it seems like you can’t figure it out.” Her jabs at this person are clever and calculated. It’s as if she’s saying, “You royally screwed up and you know it.” A repeat-worthy song that feels fantastic AND has the aura of revenge??? SIGN ME UP! After blowing up on TikTok in 2021, Vella has been putting out retro-inspired hits with an incredible degree of authenticity. The 18-year-old vocal prodigy has dedicated herself to putting out music that’s driven by the influence of Amy Winehouse and Janis Joplin. Boasting around 100 million streams across all platforms, she’s truly a force to be reckoned with. With ‘Out of Control’, Vella is redefining her sound by mixing in a more modern pop production. Be on the lookout for her next album coming soon! I recommend her single ‘Sky Without Stars’ to hear more of the gritty edge in her voice! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW VELLA:

Getting out of a bad relationship is like a breath of fresh air. The clouds part, and the sun is shining. You now have opportunity to upgrade to someone better or just enjoy the single life. While you’re going about your business, the last thing you want is to see the other person. However, if fate happens to put them in your path again, you want them to know how awesome you’re doing post-breakup. This newfound confidence might make your ex want to get back together, but you know you’re better than that. “Check, Check” by OhEm is a musical “talk to the hand” gesture. Instead of expressing the dread over seeing her ex, OhEm takes the experience as an opportunity to express her confidence and show her relief over the breakup. I loved the electronic sound of the song. It made the song very danceable, and it helped amplify the confidence of the lyrics. My favorite lyrics were: “I used to be so weak for you, but now I’ve been working on me and I see it so clear.” She has taken off the rose-colored glasses and sees the person she once loved for who they really are. She knows that she will not let herself get hurt again. I can definitely see the song being played at a club. Other people who have been through the same situation will sing those words loud and proud. I do not frequent the club, but I added the song to my workout playlist. It will make that incredibly long 45 minutes on the treadmill more enjoyable. OhEm was born in Southport Merseyside, England and currently lives in London. If you want to hear more of her, check out “Impatient.” The song is similar to “Check, Check” in that it has the same vibe of confidence. It is also just as danceable, if not more so. Along with singing, OhEm writes and produces. She received the opportunity to write for K-Pop girl group, Loona. Their album hit No. 1 on charts worldwide. Due to the album’s success, Loona won a Europe Music Award for Best Korean Act. Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW OHEM:

"I feed my energy, just how I like it" is a common theme in today's world with more acceptance as well as emphasis on individualism and mental health awareness that has allowed others to express their mental struggles and their loneliness. This is translated very well on Nazzereene's new introspective single titled "That's How I Like It." Although the song packs a major punch in the headphones, the content has an attitude about it that really displays not caring about being single and independent especially from other people's opinions and problems. Many of these tendencies in people can be caused by heartbreak and lack of trust in others. The trust issues in life are real! This song cannot be touched! This is a total gem in every way! The groovy tempo of the song is ear-grabbing as Nazzereene provides very dance-heavy vocals that ride the instrumentation so smoothly. The robotic voice effect that Nazzereene uses in the bridge of the song is such a nice contrast to the rest of the song structure which is sang more naturally. This song's mixing and mastering is super clean with all of the drums, synths and electric piano chords meshing super well together as an electro-pop track. This is the ultimate after-the-break-up tune! Nazzereene is a singer and songwriter from Melbourne, Australia who has garnered quite a fanbase over time with electric electro-pop and dance-pop songs that have been received well by listeners. Nazzereene has released multiple singles including her 2020 single "Runaway" AND her 2021 single "Magnets" that have thousands of streams across all platforms. Go give her a shot! Written By Miles Tutor FOLLOW NAZZEREENE:

A homage to 70’s classic rock with a mix of Taylor Swift, Bailey Tomkinson’s “Can’t Lose” is a recent UK indie/pop sensation. A day at the beach combined with the struggles of a up-and-coming musician perfectly details the vibe of this song. Her lyrics “can’t lose something you never had” echoes the ways of life found in New York City and shows a level of depth and maturity from Bailey. This song carries a powerful message, as no matter your upbringing or situation, everyone can relate to the chorus line in some way. I feel as though this song is a great source of motivation for those who are struggling and need to pick themselves back up in life. A classic line-up of instruments similar to the Beatles sets up a classic but incredible sound that’s easy to sit back and listen to. Bailey ups the intensity in the chorus with instruments like the organ and saxophone to give it that unique twist that makes it so indie. The vocals are the cherry on top of the cake: the background vocals provide a soulful atmosphere while Bailey herself provides a stunning performance. I could only imagine how great it would be live in concert! From St Ives, Cornwall, singer/songwriter Bailey Tomkinson is a new and talented artist emerging in the UK. In August of 2020, she took the world by storm as she reached #1 on the iTunes charts with her hit single “Silent Suffering.” She was later recognized in Time Magazine for her song “Bright Red” which gained popularity among social justice groups in the 2021 G7 Summit in her hometown. Bailey’s music can be found on Spotify, YouTube, Pandora, and Apple Music. You can also catch her live in concert by visiting her website for the latest information on her tours around the UK. Definitely give her a listen! Written By Aaron Soltis FOLLOW BAILEY: