When the world is so disappointing, nothing ever goes right, and you’ve lost all hope in humanity, what more is there to do? Listen to Indoor Friends’ new song, perhaps. It talks about everything from the world being “full of spite” to “everything turning to shit,” and it’s the perfect song to play on full blast in the car after a long day. Angsty and straightforward, the band’s debut single “I Hate It Here” is the ultimate anthem for people who have had enough with life. With heavy sounds of percussion and guitar, the song’s upbeat nature trumps the negativity of its lyrics. As the first song Indoor Friends has ever written and released, “I Hate It Here” is a quite remarkable punk-rock record. The captivating guitar riffs and pure hatred for the idiocracy of humanity makes for some incredible head-banging material. The song’s punk-style rhythm can be heard throughout the chorus, where the guitar is played with a quick, choppy strumming pattern for an aggressive, crisp and electric sound… and also to emphasize that they really do hate it here. For fans of Green Day or Good Charlotte, this song is definitely worth a listen. Indoor Friends is a Boston-based musical group of five talented souls who have performed covers of songs from bands like Green Day and Bowling for Soup. The band consists of Amanda Bysheim (lead vocalist), Kat Delitto (lead guitarist), Krista Marie Setera (ukulele and backing vocalist), Ben Bonadies (bass guitar), and Matt Wilson (drums). Channeling her past emotional turmoil and trauma, singer and songwriter Amanda Bysheim expresses her struggles in life through music, which is evident in the band’s relatable new song. And maybe, after you’ve listened to the song a couple of times, you won’t hate it so much here. Written By Chelsea Luo FOLLOW INDOOR FRIENDS:

When I initially saw the title for Linsey Urrea’s song, Unraveling,” I expected it to have a negative mood. In other words, the song would show her being upset and dealing with heavy emotions. However, when I actually listened to the song, I was delightfully surprised. When Urrea sings about the act of unraveling, it is a good thing. Her song is about new love. When she “unravels,” she is on cloud nine and bubbling with happiness. I think this song could even be taken out of its original context to be more relatable. That is, even if we don’t fall in love, we could be fortunate enough to experience times where life seems to be going perfectly right. I enjoyed the overall sound of the song. One of the lines in the chorus goes, …” because you feel like a dream.” I can definitely hear the dreamy-ness in the instrumentation. I also think that Urrea has a very rich voice, and it only adds on to the dreamy mood. In regards to Urrea’s vocals, I liked how she held out notes on the chorus, particularly those on the end of a line. First, this strengthens her happy mood. Second, I think this aspect makes the song rather catchy. When a song it catchy, people will want to listen to it again and again. Linsey Urrea was just 16 when she began writing songs for local bands in Southern California. In 2018, Urrea moved to Nashville, TN and became the lead singer for an Indie band called Goodie Bag. She experienced great success but wanted to dream even bigger. After singing with the band for three years, she left to pursue a solo career. Her other single, “More Fun,” is more upbeat than “Unraveling.” It also centers around the weightlessness of being in love! Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW LINSEY URREA:

I am such a huge fan of your new single “YOYO”! You’ve created such a catchy and captivating sound; I really can’t get enough! Can you share what inspired you to write this new track? Fior: I was in the studio with my co-writer Kent Jones and producers Scott Storch and IllaDaProducer just talking and laughing about toxic ex’s that won’t move on and it was such a natural story to tell after my first single release ‘Let Me Go’. I always have such a great time writing lyrics with Kent, I love his energy and wit so much, he’s really become like a big brother to me. How did music find its way into your life? Fior: It really just came naturally to me. I never had any lessons or anything and nobody outside of my family knew I had this talent for a really long time. My dad gifted me a toy piano when I was 8 years old and I used that to teach myself how to play, and then a few years later when I discovered Adele, even though I was too young to really understand the feelings she was expressing in her lyrics, her music and voice had such a huge impact on me that I was inspired to teach myself how to sing and write lyrics. I loved scrolling through your Instagram and seeing all your amazing fits from festivals you’ve been to! Is there a festival you hope to play one day? Fior: There’s no activity I love more than EDM festivals! If I’m really reaching for the stars I would love to perform at Tomorrowland one day. I really love EDM music so much and will definitely be putting out an EDM project sooner than later! Your music video for “YOYO” was so fun to watch. I love all the colors and the vibe you had going! Do you have a favorite moment you want to share from the shoot? Fior: The whole shoot was just so much fun. That was really the first time I ever danced and I only had 4 days of rehearsals but all the girls were so amazing and made me feel so comfortable and confident in myself. And the male lead, musician Jaxon Rose, is a personal friend I knew from before the shoot so it was really nice having him participate and he was so great in it, I mean what’s not to love about him! But I would have to say my favorite part was having my mom and dad and sister there to watch and support me. If you could have dinner with any artist, dead or alive, who would you pick and why? Fior: Freddie Mercury! It would be amazing to have dinner with the God of Rock! Congrats on being named one of People Magazine’s emerging artists to watch!! What is your next big goal when it comes to your music and career?! I can’t wait to hear what you release next! Fior: Right now I’m heading more in the lane of alternative and rock music. I actually just got back from LA where I filmed two more music videos and a live performance for my next two single releases. I’ll be putting the first one out, ‘Serotonin’, around mid-July. And the next one, ‘Overdose’, which I’m the most excited for, I’m planning to release 6-8 weeks after that! Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW FIOR:

Lexi Jayde is back again with another absolute pop hit! “gentle” is a seemingly straightforward song about telling a partner your past trauma and mistakes and letting them know you don’t want the same pain to happen to you again. This song is a reminder that you can’t just ignore someone’s past, you have to take into consideration what kind of things might have happened to this person and be careful and gentle with them. Jumping straight into a relationship should be ill-advised without setting this strong foundation and understanding first. While being considerate seems simple, it does not always come easy and in day to day life, it’s important to remember how to act toward one another. “gentle” relies heavily on an acoustic guitar for melodic support to the vocals. The structure of the song is very much in that of storytelling. Each line and verse are building the plot to this story and along with it the instrumentation. I really enjoyed the calmer parts in the beginning of the song, yet equally found the chorus to be powerful and free. The use of those strong drum set hits at the chorus; really make you feel something. My favorite lyrics were “if I pull away from you don’t take it personal”. I could really relate to what was happening in the song here. Feeling scared to repeat mistakes with someone and not being sure if you were ready, and at the same time worrying that if you pull away, you’ll lose someone new. Lexi Jayde is an incredible pop icon is an LA based artist having found massive success in music since her first single in 2020. Already within the 2 years she has been making music, she has accomplished so much, including: amassing 2 million followers across social media platforms finishing a tour with Adam Melchor, landing her first cut as a songwriter with “Frankenstein” by Claire Rosinkranz, and being featured on the single “On Repeat” with Goody Grace and Cigarettes After Sex. Jayde draws inspiration and influence from artists like Clario, Tame Impala, and Lennon Stella. Her music continues to be a voice that discusses youth and adulthood and the struggles that come with it. So much more is in store for Lexi Jayde, make sure you don’t miss a thing. Written By Emily Hancock FOLLOW LEXI JAYDE:

DLM stands for " D on't L et M e (Let You Go)" and the intoxicating new release is warm and smooth like springtime in Miami. Not like spring break, though. The upbeat pop/r&b single might actually suit the spring break vibe, but the curated combination of genres, multiple flows, and tangible emotional substance all elevate DLM to a profound and versatile bop for Rora Wilde to add to her growing collection. Passion and sensuality are bursting at the song's seams, showcased in the fine-tuned, emotional lyricism and anchored in an undeniable r&b flow. Warm, soft, and powerful vocals ride the looped waves of acoustic guitar before the deft yet stirring combination of drums and bass guitar enters to add the finishing touches to the song's framework. Wilde's pining lyricism is delivered with a paradoxically smooth punchiness which reflects the complex nature of the song's subject of the thorny entanglement of people's oscillating emotions. The layered vocals that float through the song wind down alongside the acoustic guitars to ease you toward the song's end. Sadly, it only runs just shy of two minutes, but you can just do what I did and put it on repeat. By way of Austin, TX, Rora Wilde, a Rio Grande Valley native, has been based in Los Angeles since 2020. Wilde found her intro to music through singing at age six and quickly developed a love for music. She fostered this love through cello lessons and quickly went on to teach herself guitar and piano. Having started songwriting at just thirteen, the effortlessness she displays today is surely a result of not only natural talent but gritty perseverance. If you want to hear Rora's ridiculous range, you can dig a little past her discography to see her collabs with Sam Sage (Agarrame) or Tribe Mafia (Hurt). Written By George McSherry FOLLOW ARTIST:

Raphaël Roberge’s “10” is a bright pop tune about the feeling of being in love. When you experience this feeling, the positive energy can’t help flowing out of you. This means that you have no choice but to share it with others. This is exactly what Roberge is doing in this song. The added musical aspect only serves to help better convey his feelings. Even if you can’t relate to the falling in love feeling, this song can be a great pick-me-up for anyone! The first thing I noticed about this song was the rhyming lyrics. The first line goes, “you could write the book on how to steal my breath with just one look.” I have not heard many songs that use rhyming as much as this one does. I like it because it gives the lyrics a poetic quality and makes the song catchy. I also enjoyed the progression of the song. During the first verse, it sounds calm, as if Roberge is trying to contain his happiness. Right when he sings, “you’re a 10, I’m gonna take you out…”, the music speeds up. All the contained happiness from the beginning erupts like a volcano. This transition was seamless and suited the song’s structure. Raphaël Roberge is from Quebec, Canada. He released his first single, Libre Comme L’air in 2015. Since then, he has acquired one Top 5 spot and two Top 15 spots on the iTunes French chart. This popularity has allowed him to accumulate more than 100,000 streams across Spotify and YouTube. As if that wasn’t enough success, Roberge is also an actor who has appeared in numerous Canadian media productions. Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW RAPHAËL ROBERGE

“Never felt this high, drowning in your tide.” This quote hit me like a wrecking ball. And no, I’m not just referring to one of Miley Cyrus’s biggest songs. I'm also alluding to the fact that ‘low;’ by Glooms and Baby AK slams you with sheer strength. It illustrates the raging tide of denial underneath the surface of someone who’s gone through a traumatic experience. This electronic trap-pop track is backed directly by powerful emotions; tapping right into the shadows of ourselves. We often think of the stages of grief as a linear progression, but they can also occur simultaneously. The overwhelming thoughts in our head that we try to ignore...it’s like a war zone of feelings. I have to say, Glooms and Baby AK struck gold with this concept! From the get-go, cleverly twisted synths and killer vocals designate Glooms' darkened heart as the soundscape. As booming bass lines alternate with EDM moments, every fiber of his mind is stretched to the limit. “What’s it like to feel alive? What’s the point to even try?” I'm amazed at the pure humanity in these lyrics! Glooms is on richly introspective quest to find the source of his affliction. He tries to seal away his emotions, but they all come rushing out. This conflict with his inner demons feels like an inescapable pitfall. That gut-wrenching sensation is so fricking relatable, that you’ll certainly find a line or two in here that explains your entire life! Seriously, WOW! You’re not ready for the brutally honest work of LA singer-songwriter Glooms. It’s quite the trip! After several releases in 2019, he’s back with an ingenious take on the troubles of the heart. His friend, drummer and producer Baby AK, really knows how to draw emotions out of people with his prowess in the studio environment. Showcasing ‘low;’ with the world was a great call! The artists’ manifestation of grief is vulnerable yet styled with precision. Glooms’ upcoming EP is going to be so worth it. I can already tell! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW GLOOMS: FOLLOW BABY AK:

“I Remember” is a gut-wrenching ballad about relationships. Every relationship has its up and downs, and sometimes, when you’re reminiscing and missing them, the only thing you can do is think about the good times. But oftentimes, the hurt outweighs the hurt. Baker reminds those of us who are missing someone to take a more critical look, take off those rose-colored glasses. Molly Baker’s smokey voice gradually works up until it explodes in the climax. Though the music remains hopeful, Baker’s mature and non-nonsense voice carries strength, even if there’s hurt inside there too. Though this song is melancholy, Baker’s bright and vibrant voice shines through especially well in the climax as she offers hope and strength to those who’re still struggling right now. Molly's strength heard in her voice reminds listeners to push forward and move on, remember the good, but also, remember the bad. Molly Baker is an up-and-coming artist that made her beginnings on YouTube, recording music videos and lyric videos for her original songs. Realizing her passion for singing by participating in open mic nights and musicals, Molly has turned that passion into launching her career as a musician. Always smiling with one hand on the guitar, Molly’s infectious joy for music is something so pure that it can’t help but make you smile. As she gains more and more experience, Baker’s youthful nature and voice are sure to make an impact in the industry. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW MOLLY:

Zach Hood releases new single, “lonely isn’t the word for this”, bringing refreshing truth and emotion to the pop scene. Hood’s latest song is about the feelings you have when you miss someone. The song goes into detail, showing that it’s not just that you’re sad and longing for them, but it’s so much more. It’s the extreme end of the loss you feel, that point where you’re depressed and hopeless. It’s more than all of that– it’s feeling numb and empty. The tune shows how badly these emotions are tied to a person, and how difficult it is to live like this. The beginning of the song jumps right in to creating a more somber tone for the song with the slow piano movement in the background of the lyrics. From here, the song picks up in adding in more instrumentation to the song. The bass lines add in intensity right along with the lyrics as it moves into the chorus. I really enjoyed the use of drums in this song, I felt like it was a unique feature to see in pop music like this, but thoroughly enjoyed it’s inclusion. I feel like additions like this, keeps pop music fresh and new, and I definitely felt that from this single. My favorite lyrics were, “I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, not even you”. To me, these words held such depth and emotion. It showed not only how closely tied this pain was to this other person, but it showed maturity in the way that this loss didn’t create anger, but only the feelings of nothingness. And to say that they don’t wish this on them, that just goes to show how much love they had for this person. I felt it was really beautiful and could relate to this a lot. Zach Hood is an Alabama born, Los Angeles based musician. Starting off early in his life with music, Hood taught himself to play piano through YouTube videos and threw himself into music following his parents' divorce. His break into the music industry began his junior year of high school when he began posting videos on TikTok. In 2021 he released his debut single, “Flashbacks” which was widely popular and garnered 4.8 million Spotify streams. Continuing to release singles and rack up millions of streams, Hood found himself landing a deal with Arista Records. This up-and-coming pop star has so much more to share with the world and you won’t want to miss a second of it! Written By Emily Hancock FOLLOW ZACH HOOD:

“Dust Storm Darlin’” is a gut-wrenching folk ballad about goodbyes. Inspired partly by the Mars Opportunity Rover’s last transmission sent to Earth, “My battery’s low, and it’s getting dark”, after getting caught in a planetary dust storm, this song is a sweet tribute to those who have passed on towards the other side. Mann uses clever wordplay, like passing on to life, to sprinkle mentions of the inspiration of the story throughout the song. Elijah Mann’s powerful and soul-wrenching voice paired with the gradual crescendo and swell of the instruments and song evokes a feeling of the last goodbye. In the grief, Mann reminds us of hope as others move on; the hope of being in a better place, the hope of seeing them again, and the hope of us being able to let go and move forward with our lives. Elijah Mann wrote this song after flying to Alabama to see his grandmother for the last time; this song of sensitivity and loss was created from that experience. As a Brooklyn-based electro-folk singer/songwriter, Elijah Mann is well known for his powerhouse vocals with poignant and poetic lyrics. Though originally from Connecticut, that hasn’t stopped him from making an impact in indie music scenes from LA to New England. Mann has featured at iconic venues like Rockwood Music Hall, Berlin, and The Bowery Electric, leaving those in the audience without a dry eye. Elijah Mann has a lot to offer and is eager to make a name for himself. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW ELIJAH:

“Don't Touch The Merchandise” is the ultimate confidence-boosting song that exudes the boss girl energy we need this summer. The song is about refusing to lower your standards for someone who is not worth it. Singer and songwriter Eden Gates incorporates clever lyrics with metaphors of price tags and discounts. She tells her lover, “you can't afford it, boy, you can't buy it,” claiming that if he can't commit to her—the merchandise—he shouldn't even think about touching. The song is a reminder to everyone to know their worth and remember that they don't need someone who doesn't reciprocate time and energy. The song’s upbeat nature and steady guitar progression make it fun and easy to sing along. On top of that, the “oooh’s” in the chorus really tie it all together, and the repetition of “you can't afford me” serves as a powerful reminder of self worth and leaves listeners feeling empowered. Gates wants everyone to know that they deserve a partner who sees their value and knows just how expensive they are. Eden Gates is a rising musician currently based in New York. Influenced by sounds from Katy Perry, Meghan Trainor, and Dua Lipa, Gates loves to create high-energy pop music that leaves people feeling empowered. Embracing her middle name Eden, Gates hopes that everyone can grow in her garden of love and joy that is music. Listen to her debut single now and follow along on her exciting musical journey! Written By Chelsea Luo FOLLOW EDEN GATES:

“Crying Room” channels the emotions of what it’s like growing up in this generation. As a whole, this generation tends to use partying and alcohol as a distraction from the reality of our daily lives. Ocean Tisdall’s latest single focuses in on how sometimes, we allow our emotions to control the outcome of our reality. We can be so involved in what we are feeling and how we’re reacting to our lives, that we miss out on a lot of important memories. This song paints a picture of being “that guy” at a party. So consumed by their emotions that they ignore others and want to escape into their own place of being a mess. Tisdall’s single reads in a very poetic and passionate combination of classic and alt song writing. Throughout the song, the synths and beats tend to take a place of support rather than being the main focus like you tend to see in more alternative music today. The focus is on the lyrics and the story and the rest of the song is there to just help move it along. It’s a very subtle and relaxed kind of feel at the beginning of the song and then moves into this nice groove of emotion during the chorus. I think the writing for the music is a show of very staple pop elements that make this song an attention grabber. The Irish singer has broken into the music industry recently in 2021 with his debut single, “Broke Up With My Best Friend”. Receiving strong support and DSP endorsement, Ocean Tisdall has risen to be a popular music icon. Tisdall continues to create music that will be relatable and passionate for his audience, his aspiration is to “make people feel something”. The strong connection with his Gen Z fans and his motivation to create beautiful music, truly makes Tisdall stand out. If you like artists like Conan Gray and Troye Sivan, you'll love Ocean Tisdall. You won’t want to miss any new tunes from Ocean Tisdall, keep an eye out for more new releases! Written By Emily Hancock FOLLOW OCEAN TISDALL: