After listening to “HEY YOU” by Anna Starlight, I was just about ready to grab some friends, a booming speaker, and go dancing all night long. Energetic and full of vibe, “HEY YOU” feels like a mix between modern pop and a dive back into 80s electronic music. Anna tells a tale of “the wildest divas in this club” who are “the stars of the night” on the dance floor. Their mission is plain and simple: “we just want to have fun” so let’s dance. This song does a wonderful job at showing the chaotic and crazy nature that is clubbing while maintaining a driving beat and great melody. While closer to the genre of EDM than pop, “HEY YOU” still features some important elements that give it that unique twist. For starters, the amazing and vibrant voice that is Anna carries through the whole song which is complemented by the vocals doublings echoed on the right and left pan. An array of synths in the background give it the vibing 80’s feel that adds to the craziness. About half way through, a soulful electric guitar cuts right through the entire mix, displaying the crazy amount of musical juice flowing through this song. Honestly, how frisky can it get?! Hailing from London, singer/songwriter Anna Starlight is a fresh taste in the pop genre. Her energetic music gets you up on your feet and makes you want to dance all night long (making me wish it were a Friday). Currently only featuring her single “HEY YOU” Anna has plenty of room to grow as an artist and show her capabilities. She's a talented artist with a bright future ahead of her, I can't wait to hear more! You can find her music on Spotify, Youtube, or Apple Music. You can also visit her Instagram for updates on new music and more! Written By Aaron Soltis FOLLOW ANNA:

You have such an amazing way of storytelling through your music! What was the inspiration for your new single, “One More Time”? Joost: Thank you so much! I wrote “One More Time” last year when I went through some changes in my professional and personal life. I realised that I was constantly living towards future goals or romanticising past experiences, rather than appreciating the present. When writing this song, I applied this concept to a night that I kept looking back on which kept me from living in the moment. As bad as it can be for my mental health to romanticise past moments, it can also bring a lot of happiness and nostalgia. In the song I tell myself that I’ll think about it “just one more time”, sort of as an excuse to keep on repeating this behaviour. Who would you say are your biggest inspirations when it comes to your songwriting and vibe of your music? Joost: I get inspired by a lot of artists from different genres for various reasons. One big inspiration is LÉON. I love how her songs carry a lot of emotion and that her songwriting paints a picture that is very accessible. Other than that, I get a lot of inspiration from artists such as Oklou, BANKS and Gracie Abrams. I love all the covers on your YouTube channel! Which one would you say are you most proud of? Joost: Thank you! Probably “I miss you, I’m sorry” by Gracie Abrams. I first posted a small cover on my instagram story and someone asked whether there was a full version somewhere. So I took out my iPad and recorded the cover that’s now on my YouTube. I just love how it wasn’t really thought-through and there’s no “proper” microphone used. Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled so far? I loved looking at all your travel pics on your Instagram :) Joost: I have luckily seen a lot of the world! What really left a mark was when I travelled to Japan with my family a while ago. The country has such a different culture compared to the Dutch culture and I absolutely fell in love with it. I am actually planning to go back with a friend this year! What would you say is your favorite album of all time? One that has no skips at all! Joost: For sure LÉON’s self-titled album. It was released when I had just moved to Amsterdam from London and was discovering the city in springtime. Every time I listen to this album it brings me back to those days! Other than that I love the 80s vibe it holds. Can you tell us a bit about this new chapter of your music you’re entering? I can’t wait to hear what else you have planned this year! Joost: I am so excited about the projects that will come out this year. I have two more singles coming out soon and after I will start releasing songs of my debut EP. To release a couple of my songs as an EP has always been a dream of mine. It’s also a very personal project as I did a lot of the writing and production on this EP by myself. It is a mix of contemporary indie-/electro-pop songs with some dreamy ballads and I think it really captures my sound as an artist. I’m also working on some music videos to accompany some releases which will emphasise the meaning of my music. I have found it so much fun to find ways to symbolically express the lyrics. Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW JOOST:

"I know I'm much better sober; but I'm under the influence of you instead" are the words of toxicity in a relationship on ear candy's hot new single titled "take my dreams away" which touches on the struggles of bonded love with no benefits or fairness between the two. Learning to be the bigger person in the relationship doesn't apply every single time you date someone and it just shows that no matter what someone will do for love, the person they found might be a control freak trying to control your every move. Just like the festival chick you met at a rave in the summer! THE SKY TURNED FROM BLUE TO PURPLE REAL QUICK! THIS SONG IS A TOTAL SUMMER STARTER! The influences of alternative rock, indie rock and punk flare up so much on this song but is utilized in a way where the whole song sounds like a lofi pop jam. The muddy drums that still bang throughout and the shredding going on with the guitar really brings those qualities of the song together. The climax of the chorus is phenomenal with all of the instrumentation working together while Jamie ups the ante on his vocal abilities and range. The energy here is unreal! Jamie Jordan is a singer-songwriter and producer from the UK whose mission with music is to create indie pop and alternative pop tunes that turn up a conscious message while still being fun hits to listen to sonically. He dropped another single this year titled "over you" and is planning on doing some major things for 2022 including touring with his band and dropping new singles. Keep your loved ones close. Go give him a shot! Written By Miles Tutor FOLLOW JAMIE:

This catchy dance-pop single offers perspective on complicated relationships and emotional unavailability. Zhuli sings, “I don’t want to be the one” showing that the situationship she was a part of was never meant to turn into something serious. In the modern era of dating and hook-up culture, it’s common for this problem that Zhuli sings about to happen. Often times, having a casual partner leads to complicated feelings that end up in one person wanting a serious relationship and the other not reciprocating. “The One” perfectly captures these messy feelings that so many of us can relate to. Zhuli’s newest single relies heavily on electo-beats and synths to create an upbeat bass that supports her strong vocals and lyrics. My favorite lyrics were, “I told you from the start that I was just another lover.” I think this sums up the whole message that Zhuli is trying to get across in this song. A serious relationship was clearly never on the table in this situation and Zhuli reiterates that she doesn’t want to be “the one” for her partner. I think this is a powerful concept that is talked about here, especially since these words are coming from a woman. So many times, society paints the female in the relationship as the one who will want commitment, but here, the stereotype breaks. I think this song is a good example for women, showing that it’s okay to want to just have fun and be casual and not be pressured into something serious if you don’t want it. While “The One” is a great dance-pop hit, it also gives the power to the women. Zhuli is an electro-pop singer based in Sydney, Australia. Following the release of her first single, “IKEA”, Zhuli returns to bring her fans another great pop hit. Zhuli draws inspiration from popstars Charli XCX and Ariana Grande while adding her own special experimental elements that makes her music undeniably hers. While new to the music scene, Zhuli has found success in creating songs that can be relatable to most everyone. You won’t want to miss out on a single thing from this dance-pop icon! Written By Emily Hancock FOLLOW ZHULI:

I genuinely love your new single “I’ll wait for you”. It was such a beautiful song with such raw emotion, I can’t get enough. What is the story behind this new track? MIOH: Thank you so much! It goes straight to my heart! Indeed, this song is full of emotions, because it relates a love story which was hanging on by a thread. It talks about hope, about wait, but also about kindness. The purpose of this song was to make the wounds of the heart a little more bearable. What does your songwriting process look like? And what was the process like for your new single specifically? MIOH: Generally, I wrote music and lyrics together, sometimes in french, sometimes in english. I use to be alone when I write and I really like the idea of doing everything from start to finish, like on this EP where features "I'll wait for you". This song is a little bit particular because I first accompanied it with piano, wanting to make something very calm, in piano-vocals, then I tried another universe, totally different, with acoustic guitar, electric guitar and other arrangements. It evolved a lot in a short time. MIOH is so unique, I love it! What made you choose this as your stage name? MIOH: Thank you so much! I chose my stage name after watching the movie Into the Wild. Christopher McCandless, the protagonist, reads and writes a lot. In one of the books he reads, we can see this phrase : "such is my idea of happiness". I kept the first letters of "My Idea Of Happiness" and MIOH was born. Because that's what music represents to me. What is your favorite thing about performing your music live? To me, there is nothing like experiencing live music, especially after these last few years without it! MIOH: You're right! I think we didn't realize how important it is to listen to live music, to fully feel the emotions. I think what i like the most about playing live music is when people stop for a moment, take the time to listen, to breathe, to close their eyes and to enjoy the moment. The smiles and the people dancing also touch me deeply. What do you hope people get out of listening to your music? And for “I’ll wait for you” specifically? MIOH: I hope people will take the time to feel the emotions they tend to hide. I believe that they are what make us alive, what make us feel alive. Through music, I hope to highlight our feelings, the optimism but also the right to not always feel happy. I see music as a way to share ! I think that's its main function. Do you have anything else you’re doing or that’s coming out this year that you can talk about? MIOH: Yes ! Projects make us, shape us! There is never enough of them! Video clips are being shot and a single is being recorded. And this summer, you will find me in France on the restaurant terrace, for the World music Day, or in festivals for live moments! Thanks a lot for your welcome on your blog! Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW MIOH:

“She” is a heartwarming tribute to mothers everywhere. Your mother wipes your tears, makes you smile, and pours all of her love into you, knowing that no matter what happens, nothing can shake her love for you. No matter where you are or who you’re with, there’s no one you can depend on more than your own mother. Wade thanks his mother for believing in him, for listening to every single one of his songs, and for being proud of them. A mother is someone that’s precious to everyone, and Wade perfectly conveys his thankfulness and pride for his own mother. Having taught himself classical piano during the pandemic, Wade’s simple melody tugs on the heartstrings, creating a reminiscing and hopeful tone. The delicate piano in the background only adds to the thankful tribute of the entire piece. It’s clear that Wade greatly respects his mother, admiring the weight she carries on her shoulders all with a smile or how she’s the shoulder to cry on for him and countless others. Wade’s mature and sorrowful voice takes a change as he gets to the chorus, turning lighter and more uplifting. Ollie Wade, a UK singer-songwriter, is an expert with barring his soul to the world. His raw lyrics are only heightened by his detailed and relatable narratives. Starting his career by posting acoustic folk-pop covers on YouTube, he’s now confidently stepped into the industry, writing his own lyrics and songs for the world. Even once playing an intimate show for The Duchess, Kate Middleton, Wade is not shy about stepping on the stage. Wade’s refreshing lyrics and emotional ballads are bringing a new sound into the industry. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW OLLIE:

“Kissing Her, Missing You” is a heartfelt pop song about not getting over a breakup. Though you’re broken up, you still can’t help but remember the intimacy of your relationships, the inside jokes, the unspoken emotions and feelings. Dating a new person right after that means you have to learn about someone all over again, and while that can be fun, it doesn’t feel the same when you wish for someone to just know you and know what you’re thinking. Dolic crafts his narrative about dating someone new, but still missing his ex. The nostalgia-filled lyrics and upbeat production combine into this bittersweet song about the toughness of moving on. The guitar and drum-laden production hide the hurt feelings in his voice, just as his new relationship hides his hurt feelings about his ex. Everyone has had rebounds, and it’s tough to get over a relationship while you’re trying to pretend that you’re fine. Ben Dolic is a Slovenian singer-songwriter who’s not afraid to open up about topics like mental health, relationships that aren’t picture-perfect, and more. Creating what he describes as “good vibes you can cry to”, Dolic looks for beauty in the darkness, the light at the end of the tunnel. His first breakout single, “Violent Thing”, reached over 12 million streams worldwide, and he’s hungry for more. Dolic’s honesty and blunt narratives paint the picture as it is, an excellent rendition of the pain and complex emotions that most songs glamorize. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW BEN:

I think the album art beautifully sums up the theme of the song that I’m about to introduce to you today. “Valley Of The Shadows” by Waves Rush In is an appreciation of nature’s greatness. With its powerful healing effects, nature is full of wonder. For Waves Rush In, it helps him reconnect with his childhood. “When you’re talking through the rhythm in me...those times seem pretty sweet to me.” He speaks on one of the biggest influences in his life! This song is like going outside in the fresh air to clear your mind of racing thoughts. You’ll feel soothed and refreshed after just the first listen! The soundscape is simply brimming with nature sounds: trickling water, tweeting birds, and a cooling breeze made of captivating synths. As the narrative builds, Waves Rush In beautifully describes his relationship with the outdoors and how it’s like an irreplaceable friend to him. Using compelling, deeply rooted vocals, he expresses appreciation for nature’s existence, saying “This one’s for you.” I especially enjoyed how Waves Rush In lets the song conjure powerful emotions within him. He goes with the flow and doesn’t hold back by any means! In that respect, the music really does speak for itself! Sam Branson (aka Waves Rush In) is a singer-songwriter and climate activist based out of Oxford, UK. As an artist, he takes inspiration from his travels and nature’s mystery. Taking off with January 2021’s debut EP ‘Seasons Change’, he’s experienced profound success with his indie-pop soundscapes. As an activist, he’s partnered with Brian Eno’s Earth Percent charity, which calls on the music industry to help combat the ongoing climate crisis. ‘Valley Of The Shadows’ marks Branson’s shift to a more radio-friendly pop sound. Stay tuned for more feel-good melodies and deep-seated lyrics in his upcoming EP ‘Hearts Are Home.’ It comes out in May! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW WAVES RUSH IN:

I have listened to your new single “Back To You” over and over and it really never gets old. What inspired you to write this new track? JMN: Awh, thanks! It’s about having to leave a place I love, and someone really important to me behind, not because I wanted to.. but because I had to. And trying my best to get back to that place and to them. Has music played a big part in your life since you were younger? I know for me, it’s been a part of me since as long as I can remember! JMN: Music has definitely been a huge part of my life, It has so many ties to memories growing up and has helped me so much through the years. Without music, I wouldn’t know what to do, it’s one of the most important parts of my day! Are there any other artists you would say inspire the sound and vibe of your music? JMN: Honestly, no, not at all! I would love to give a list of my favourite artists and say that they have an influence on my music.. but all I can say is they motivate me / give me the push I need for the day! What is your go-to song to belt in your car or scream at the top of your lungs when you’re home alone? JMN: That is a hard one… I can never choose just 1 song or 1 artist. I listen to many different genres, so it really just depends on the kind of mood I’m in or the day I’m having. I would say currently I’m having “Issue- IZKO” on repeat. But this also changes everyday or every other day for me! I’m a huge concert buff so I’m curious...what is your favorite concert you’ve ever been to? And who do you hope to one day see perform live? JMN: I’ve been to sooo many concerts in my life thus far, but I would say my favourite concert was actually Miley Cyrus, Bangerz Tour… which was years ago! Just because of how the concert was arranged and everything they had set up, I would say it was unforgettable for me! I hope to see Post Malone in concert ASAP. What is your next goal you hope to accomplish in your career? I can’t wait to see where this journey takes you :) JMN: I just hope to keep creating music with my vision of how I want it to sound and how I want it to come across to people listening! For now, all I wish to accomplish is just to continue what I’m doing now & get more songs released! I never thought I’d actually be doing this one day, but my friends have helped me take the leap and now I can’t get enough! So as of now, I’m just content where I am and just hope people can relate to my songs! :) Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW JMN:

"Got a front row seat; to the sitcom of my life" are the wise words on Emma Mae's hot new single titled "I Should Sell My Story To A TV Network" which discusses the idea of selling your soul to the devil through elevating your own passions. This is no different for famous people who have to deal with the absurdity of the public who know who they are and have seen them in various outlets of the media (music, TV, etc). Emma puts a spark on it by asking herself "I should my story to a TV network" and depicts a person who is only hungry for fame and will go to extremes to get there. This song has raw and real emotion! Emma's vocals are so smooth when singing over the dreamy yet awake instrumentation that goes back and forth throughout different segments of the song. Just like the cover, this song gives off a very bright and colorful vibe throughout majority of it especially the chorus where the tempo rises with the drum machine and acoustic guitar licks. Emma has amazing vocal control and knows when to use her voice at the right time including in different pockets of when the instrumentation stops and starts in the song. You can tell that Emma was having fun with creating this! LIFE LESSON 101: DON'T SELL YOURSELF TO A TV NETWORK! Emma Mae is a singer-songwriter from the UK who has stepped foot in the music game since 2019 when Emma released her debut single titled "Fuckboy" as well as releasing singles throughout the pandemic including "When Paris Calls" and "She Knows". Emma has also done collaborations with a few DJs and artists from the UK as well including Thom Merlin on their single "Don't Wanna Love You" that gained some nice attention. Emma is far from done and wants to keep pushing her fun and energetic indie-pop sound to other works! Don't get caught up with the artists on TV! Go give her a shot! Written By Miles Tutor FOLLOW EMMA:

Alex Beck is a new and talented artist currently making her way into the music world. Her latest single “Wishful Thinking” embodies the spirit of a young woman in the city and provides for a warm and fuzzy feeling deep inside. The line “I thought I’m better off gone” touches on a deep topic of self worth and how meaningless it can feel in such a big world. Alex uses this line to effectively describe the pain that break-ups can cause and what it can do to one’s psyche. While it may be a common topic amongst artists, Alex takes a unique approach that is more impactful. The song starts out with a somber synth holding a pedal point throughout the verse. A pedal point is when a bass note is held for a certain amount of time while the harmony above changes, which is emphasized in the guitar line. This creates a particular effect of being grounded, and is all the more effective when the bass begins to change in the chorus. The voice of Alex Beck is something to be reckoned with: smooth and delicate yet clear, she’s mastered her art as a singer and knows how to write for it. The mix of this song is very artistic; the instruments don’t jab out but rather blend together to create a “wall” of sound. The lead vocal, bass, and kick stand above to create a strong root while the rest of the instruments create the beautiful foundation that is “Wishful Thinking.” Singer/songwriter Alex Beck is an indie pop artist currently residing in L.A. Starting with the release of her first single “Do It Again” in 2020, Alex has steadily grown as a musician and a storyteller. She’s received glowing reviews from the likes of Mystic Sons, Obscure Sound, and more. You can find her music on Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, and on Youtube. You can also find out more about new releases (or more about Alex herself!) on her Instagram. Check her out, she’s a great listen! Written By Aaron Soltis FOLLOW ALEX:

What if...? This question is often attached to worrying about the future. But what happens when you redirect it to take on a tone of optimism? Instead of thinking about the worst-case scenario, what if it does work out? In her new song ‘Ruin My Life’, Allegra Jordyn invites in the idea that everything could go right in a relationship. “I’m begging you to ruin my life.” I really admire how she’s confident enough to put herself in a vulnerable position, even though she doesn’t know what will happen. By reshaping fear of commitment and self-doubt into strength, Jordyn is more than willing to take the risk. “Thought I’d never be caught dead in a white dress; flowers in my right hand, diamond on my left.” This first line immediately shows the eye-catchiness of Jordyn’s lyrics. The imagery is stunning. You can hear a lovely 80s-style pop vibe from the blend of funky bass guitar and drum beats with airy synths. As the different layers come in, there’s always a pleasurable mix of mystery and beauty. Jordyn’s confident vocals become goddess-like in the chorus; filled with emotion and letting you know that it’s okay to let your guard down. Her willingness to show this level of vulnerability throughout the entire song is truly awe-inspiring! Hailing from Toronto, 20-year-old artist Allegra Jordyn grew up listening to classic rock and pop hits. At just 14 years old, she released her debut single, followed by her debut EP ‘Possibilities’ two years later. However, she struggled to fully resonate with her music. In 2020, she connected with producer Chris Grey and took full control over her storytelling and creativity. Speaking on topics like empowerment and self-discovery, Jordyn has redefined her sound to make it truer to herself. What I love about her is her ability to create these beautiful paradoxes in music that mimic the complexities of real life. ‘Ruin My Life’ paves the way for Jordyn’s new dreamy EP, which comes out this summer! Get her on your radar because (take it from me) she’ll knock your socks off! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW ALLEGRA: