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Zola Sky has released her debut single, “Travis Kelce.” A new single ushering in a new take for the modern feminist, Sky finds herself a new crush. Debating if they’re up for the challenge of dating her, Sky asks her potential partner if they’re ready to support her like Travis Kelce. With the allusion referencing the infamous relationship between football player Travis Kelce and pop icon Taylor Swift, listeners realize how a person should  support their partner by listening to “Travis Kelce”: by being the loudest in the room. While owning the fact that being ambitious doesn’t mean that a woman is not open to love, Zola Sky balances the two sides of womanhood equally. Within “Travis Kelce,” Sky creates a challenge: how do you balance lyrics that both capture the ache of wanting love while owning the fact that you want a lot more in life than just someone to love? With “Travis Kelce,” Sky captures both the vulnerability of wanting both love from another and results from work ethic and ambition. Not only does Sky capture the intimacy between the two conflicting interests, but as a debut single, “Travis Kelce” delivers on what listeners want out of current pop artists today: lyrics that are truthful and relatable to them while production puts out pop perfection. Zola Sky is an up-and-coming Australian artist. With pop-punk perfection and gritty yet vulnerable lyrics, Sky is no stranger to the spotlight. Although this is her debut single, Sky has premiered other music as well, doing so in Triple J’s DIY SUPERGROUP competition with “10 Seconds,” which reached a peak position of number four on the Unearthed pop charts. With previous success with pop music, it’s no secret that Sky has also had success with live music as well. Headlining the Sounds Dangerous! Festival, as well as accompanying Sofia Isabella on her sold out tour, it’s no secret that Zola Sky is destined for success. If listeners would like to keep up with Zola Sky, they can follow her on social media, linked down below. Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW ZOLA SKY: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook

LMNT 115 and Daya create the tension that precedes bliss in their latest single “Paradise.” Love is a fire, a combination of passion and destruction. DAYA admits a desire to get closer, despite the risk of burning. The sparks outweigh the danger. Daya sings, “You’re like a fire that I can’t touch/ I keep on hoping we find paradise.” Although the attraction is as strong as a magnet, it’s like forcing two-like poles together—-they push away from each other. The repeating question “Will I ever get closer to you?” stings like the pain of running. But the endorphins keep the artist chasing this love. LMNT 115’s arrangement of the kick drums, synth pads, and Daya’s melodic vocals mirror the push and pull in the relationship. The steady tempo and kick drums have a steady momentum of one foot in front of the other, walking closer to paradise—-the one. Then, the beat stops, and the production focuses on the synth pads. Time slows down. You’re so close, and yet, so far. Daya sings with a desperation that shakes with power and vulnerability (not to be mistaken for a weakness). The drop is the total wave of oxytocin when you make that connection.  Production duo LMNT 115 and Grammy-winning artist DAYA collaborated for the EDM song. Z, the duo’s songwriter, and Fab, the duo’s producer, find inspiration in anime, manga, and the cyberpunk world. Their name is a reference to Element 115, an otherworldly fuel material, represents the creativity that ignites these electrifying tracks. Daya is known for her vocals and collaboration with The Chainsmokers in “Don’t Let Me Down.” She earned a Diamond certification from the RIAA and a Grammy for “Best Dance Recording.” They continue to pull fans in immersive storytelling and moving beats.  Written By Taylor Sheridan Lempke FOLLOW LMNT 115: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube FOLLOW DAYA: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Sam Fender has been one of my favorite artists since the release of his second studio album, “Seventeen Going Under.” Influenced by 90s and early 2000s artists like Oasis and Green Day, Fender’s music is distinct and authentic.  Fender released his third studio album, “ People Watching ,” in late February of this year, and it ushered him into a new level of success. The album became the fastest-selling vinyl album by a British artist in the 21st century, with 43,000 vinyl sales in the first week. It also received rave reviews across music publications and was praised for its exceptional lyrical storytelling and signature sound. It was also my top listened to album on Spotify Wrapped 2025. Fender announced “People Watching (Deluxe)” on October 17, with eight bonus tracks on the docket. Some of the songs on the tracklist had been released on 7” vinyl for World Record Store Day on April 12, but these tracks were mostly new to fans, especially those who couldn’t get their hands on a vinyl copy. Upon listening, it is safe to say that they were well worth the wait. Tracklist I’m Always On Stage Talk to You (ft. Elton John) Fortuna’s Wheel Rein Me In (ft. Olivia Dean) Me and The Dog Tyrants The Treadmill Empty Spaces I’m Always On Stage “I’m Always on Stage” is a slower track that puts Fender’s vocal and lyricism before anything else. Set to a simple acoustic guitar, Fender’s voice is full of emotion as he reflects upon his path to fame and the things it has cost him.  As implied in the title, Fender struggles with feeling like he is always in the spotlight, even during his moments alone or with loved ones. He is not sure where the person he is onstage ends and the person he is privately begins. There is pressure to be happy and never waver in light of his success, and he is never settled. This song sets the tone for the majority of the Deluxe tracks with its heavy themes of self-loathing, self-sabotage and major loss. Talk to You (ft. Elton John) “Talk to You,” featuring Elton John, is a highlight in Fender’s discography. Longtime friends, Fender and John beautifully meld their talents together on this heartfelt track. The song begins with a gorgeous intro from John on the piano, blended with a signature Fender guitar riff.  The song explores the heartbreak of losing a great young love, especially when you were the one who ruined it. Fender describes how he was unfaithful to a long-term partner and lost them as a result. It explores feelings of guilt and loneliness, as Fender wishes to reconnect with this person and gain their forgiveness even though he has caused them pain. He knows it is selfish to ask them for help forgiving himself, but he can’t help it. He also examines how his upbringing has influenced his behavior, but tries not to use this excuse to justify it. While he may come from a background that normalized infidelity, he also recognizes that he is the one who chose to be unfaithful, not anyone else.  Fortuna’s Wheel “Fortuna’s Wheel” is the shortest bonus track, yet it makes a major impact. With soft, quivering vocals and a melodic acoustic guitar, Fender bids goodbye to a former lover, perhaps the same person he was speaking to in “Talk To You.” Additionally, the guitar riff is similar to the one that follows in the next song, “Rein Me In,” further connecting this song to the others on the project. As mentioned in the title, Fender mentions Fortuna’s Wheel, a concept in medieval philosophy that represents fate. The wheel belongs to the Roman goddess Fortuna, who spins the wheel at random and changes the circumstances and standings of those on it. As a result, some suffer great pain and misfortune, while others move to the top and can bask in their new luck.  In this case, Fender describes waiting to see where fate will take his connection with this former partner, and whether they will forgive him. He knows they may hate him now, but he is hopeful that time will help them heal and bring them new company. It is a tender song as he accepts his fate, no matter what comes. Rein Me In (ft. Olivia Dean) “Rein Me In” was one of my favorite tracks from the original “People Watching” album, but adding Oliva Dean onto it elevated it to a new level. Dean is a British R&B/pop artist whose second studio album, “The Art of Loving,” has been dominating the charts and my playlists. With hit singles like “So Easy (To Fall In Love),” “Man I Need” and “Nice To Each Other,” her voice is strong yet soothing, soulful, and romantic. Fender and Dean’s vocals blended to create a magical new version of this already incredible song. The track explores Fender’s reluctance to be vulnerable with a partner, ultimately leading to the end of the relationship. As he reflects upon how he ruined a good thing, Dean’s vocals come in to play the role of the partner who was wronged.  She tells Fender that there is no bravery in running away from tenderness and that being too afraid to love is more cowardly than allowing her in. Being alone is the easy way out, and while experiencing vulnerability is scary and at times difficult, he needs to give up his pride and open his heart to her. Having this added perspective of the partner on the other side of the relationship enhances the song’s story and is a refreshing addition to an already stellar track.  Me and The Dog “Me and The Dog” is another favorite of mine from the nine deluxe tracks. The lyrics are clever from the first line, and instrumentally, this song is a blend of rock and funk influences. “The dog” is a metaphor for depression, and was referenced in “Something Heavy” as something that “so many good people [are] falling victim to.” The dog may also be a reference to Newcastle Brown Ale, a local brew from North Shields that is commonly referred to as the dog. In this case, it also amplifies how Fender and those around him may use substances to escape their current realities and get out of their heads. Self-sabotage is a common theme in Fender’s work, and in this track, he expresses that he does not need other people, as “it’s just [him] and the dog.” In this way, he is isolating himself in the midst of his depression as he feels like “the dog” is the only one who understands him. His depressive state is one he feels he has inherited and therefore must live with forever. Additionally, he states that, “[He doesn’t] need a nemesis // [He’s] got [his] hands full with [himself].” These feelings are amplified by his surroundings, giving him “small town induced psychosis” as he sees the way the dog is going after other people in his small bubble. Tyrants “Tyrants” is a track that has a more hopeful feeling than the others, as it spreads a message of taking control of your mental health and fighting the urge to self-destruct. This song is a rallying cry to “rail against the tyrants now // the ones who rattle in your head.”  There is also a mention of Fortuna’s Wheel, as Fender states he is running on it and trying to “evade the low side of the road,” meaning that he is running against fate and hoping that it does not tip him into a depressive state again. He recalls times he has allowed his ego to take control of him and ruin his chances of true connection. In this song, he encourages listeners, as well as himself, to love as though they have never been hurt before.  This is one of my favorite songs from the Deluxe release, and the instrumentals are a beautiful mix of creamy guitars, amplified percussion and 80s-style synth keys in the background. Fender’s vocals are strong and clear, and when mixed with the tones of background vocalist Brooke Bentham, something magical happens. This is an excellent track, and one that I will return to when I need it to lift me up. The Treadmill “The Treadmill” is an early-2000s Britrock-inspired track that likens Fender’s place in life to being stuck on a treadmill. While he may seemingly be progressing, he is still staying in one place while everyone around him is moving on in life. He is terrified of being alone forever, especially as he watches his friends get married and settle down. He also references running into an ex-lover as she “looks like [she] came out the spa,” while he is praying that God will improve his appearance. He feels lightyears behind in the healing process and is convinced that she is doing much better than him, even though he is only judging that from the outside. While sonically upbeat, the lyrics subvert the tempo by being extremely sad and self-flagellating. This duality is something that Fender has a true knack for, and this track is another highlight of that skill. Empty Spaces “Empty Spaces” is a heartwrenching piano ballad that exposes the fullest extent of Fender’s vulnerability and insecurities. Wrapping up the album, this track embodies the hollow, cavernous feeling in your chest in the midst of great sadness. Fender looks at himself in the mirror and realizes he doesn’t recognize himself as his depression has even overtaken his appearance.  He remembers that someone he once loved is now a stranger, and he longs to connect with someone again to combat his loneliness. He also recognizes that he “know[s] it was [him] who pulled the trigger” and ruined things, but he is still confused as to how he ended up here. There is a profound emptiness within him that he has attempted to fill since, yet nothing helps. As his mental health spirals, he also grapples with the concept of mortality and the afterlife as he recounts the story of his friend’s young daughter crying over being alone one day. Fender’s heart breaks at this story, and he believes that the concept of Heaven was invented as a way to provide some solace and explanation in the face of loss. This is a somewhat painful track to listen to, but ultimately relatable for anyone who has experienced the anguish of depression. Fender’s lyrics and vocals are raw and touching, amplified by a simple piano track, creating a beautiful, tragic end to this project.  Overall, these eight tracks are the perfect bookend to the “People Watching” album. The original 11 songs on this album blew me away from the first listen, and these are no different. It has been remarkable to witness the way Fender has progressed throughout his career, and his already strong lyrical and vocal abilities have only improved with time. “People Watching Deluxe” is a true triumph in his career, full of emotional depth and raw instrumental talent, and I look forward to savoring it for months to come. Written By Tessa Brainard Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

At just 17 years old, Zoey Madison is making her debut statement as an artist. Her single, “Electric,” off her EP of the same name, is a bold, pop-R&B fusion. The song is about a love that is lightning in a bottle, and sonically, it follows suit. “Electric,” fittingly, dazzles as a pop song. The track is an instant earworm. But more importantly, it captures the magic of falling in love for the first time. With its fun, sparkly sound and Zoey’s undeniable presence, “Elecetric” is undeniable. The fact that Zoey Madison is only 17 is both wildly impressive and a key factor in what makes her music so special. “Electric” has an exciting, youthful energy that only someone her age could muster. As a singer-songwriter, Zoey is strongly influenced by R&B titans like Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Ariana Grande. Zoey has a gift for taking cues from her influences and making music that remains entirely her own. The result is music that is completely timeless, as seen in “Electric.” “Electric” really shows that Zoey is a strong storyteller. The track portrays the stages of love in a way that transports the listener to their own memories. “Electric” is one-of-a-kind. Zoey Madison is a singer-songwriter from New York. She is a classically trained vocalist with a four octave range. She studied at The Berklee School of Music and has already reached immense success in her career. Zoey has worked with industry legends including Kenny Ortega and Kristin Chenoweth. On Spotify she has over 10,000 monthly listeners and 20,000 streams. With the drop of her latest EP, Electric , Zoey has proved herself as an up-and-comer to look out for. You can listen to “Electric,” along with the rest of Zoey’s discography on all streaming services now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW ZOEY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok   | YouTube

Heartbreak City’s track “What’s it Gonna Be!” is giving glowing neon skies and classic 80s and 90s nostalgia. If you love a throwback, then this track has all of that– and then some! With charged synth and pulsing passion, “What’s it Gonna Be!” will have you dancing all night to its addictive soundscape and smooth lyricism. It’s the kind of song that’s best listened to while the windows are all down, your hands feeling the wind, as you and your friends are all singing along. As part of their debut album, the track is quintessential Heartbreak City, creating a world within their music that invites you to take a dip into its bold and vibrant soundscape. Lovers of retrowave, look no further than “What’s it Gonna Be!” This synth-soaked track is like if the 80s and 90s met modern synth-pop, combining to create a sound that is both current and a total throwback. It’s a hard thing to nail, but I think Heartbreak City truly captures that feeling of endless nostalgia while also having a style that is rooted in today’s pop scene. “What’s it Gonna Be!” speaks to that quite well with its romantic and dreamy lyricism decorated in card game imagery. I loved every little poker reference in the song, especially the line that goes “Show me your diamonds, clubs or spades / ‘cos hearts is all you ever play”; the wordplay here is just so clever and witty, and the rest of the track is written similarly so. With its dynamic and undeniably fun soundscape combined with its songwriting, “What’s it Gonna Be!” is a one-of-a-kind track that manages to balance the past with the present to create something absolutely amazing. Heartbreak City is a synth-pop trio that’s blending the nostalgia of the 80s and 90s with soaring pop melodies. Their lyrics are packed with emotion and their soundscapes are effortlessly bold, firmly placing the band amidst other modern synth-pop revivalists. Some of their acclaimed singles include their 2025 debut “Horizon”, as well as “Sleeping Awake”, “Spencer Street”, and “Pamela”. They’ve earned tons of fans across the UK and beyond for their artistry, passion, and outstanding production. Their debut album “Heartbreak City” dropped in 2025, and its focus track “What’s it Gonna Be!” captures everything that Heartbreak City is as a band with irresistible hooks and a driving chorus. If you loved “What’s it Gonna Be!”, be sure to check out the rest of the album it’s on, as well as dropping Heartbreak City a follow! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW HEARTBREAK CITY: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook

Nia Ashleigh's song, "All the Same," is an unforgettable heartbreak anthem with a unique perspective. "All the Same" tells an often overlooked tale of internal conflict. Overthinking can seem harmless, but those thoughts can begin to weigh on your mind and emotions. This can eventually turn the once internal conflicts into external conflicts. Nia Ashleigh uses her lyrics to share this experience, which is undoubtedly relatable to many people in different situations. When overthinking shifts into an anxious spiral, it can be hard to see reality over your internal fears. Nia Ashleigh is very vulnerable with her lyrics, showing how self-doubt, insecurities, and overthinking can worsen your fears, make you seek reassurance, and shy away from connections that could be beautiful. She conveys this with lyrics like "I keep getting defensive / Now I'm passive and aggressive / Could put my pride aside, but won't let you see me cry / Find it safer to be self destructive" and "I need you to reassure me that you'll be / With me in the present / When happy's in the past tense." "All the Same" opens with a piano that releases melancholy notes that match the vulnerability of the lyrics. The song is a heartbreak ballad that takes you on an emotional journey throughout its entire four minutes. Nia Ashleigh has a smooth sounding voice that adds another layer of emotion to the song. Her voice is unforgettable, and the song's entire sound is comforting. Even with the rawness and sadness of "All the Same," it still feels warm in its own unique way. Nia Ashleigh's voice is calming, while the song's relatability gives listeners a sense of reassurance. "All the Same" encourages listeners to become more introspective and aware of their emotional world. When anxiety is high, this song feels like a way of calming yourself, especially if your thoughts are running wild. Emerging from Newark, New Jersey, singer-songwriter Nia Ashleigh is here to pull on heartstrings. She has gained widespread recognition through her mesmerizing covers on social media, amassing a dedicated following of over 1M across Instagram and Tiktok. She has also received special nods from Lady Gaga, SZA, Sara Barallies, and H.E.R just to name a few. Nia's universal sound blends Pop, R&B, and Musical Theatre, showcasing her versatility and depth. She has a natural talent and raw emotiveness that gives her the ability to translate love and heartache into unforgettable melodies. Nia represents hope, love, and classic sensibilities reimagined for the modern day pop princess. Follow Nia Ashleigh below to stay updated on her future projects and releases! Written By Kyler Griggs FOLLOW NIA ASHLEIGH: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Transport yourself to a mental dance floor with the new single “FORBIDDEN FRUIT” from Matthew Orgel. Orgel refuses to hold back on this track, immediately throwing listeners into a full-on party by the play button’s first hit. Flirty and energetic beyond comprehension, “FORBIDDEN FRUIT” mixes pop excellence with creative elements such as a funk-induced bassline and ferocious, undeniable rhythm. Upon your first listen, it’s clear that Orgel can make people feel good and thrive through his music. Dipping into electro-pop that reminds me of artists like Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Robyn, and more, Orgel is displaying both a wide, talented range and the ability to tap into purely fun musicality. Beautifully calculated and displaying a natural passion for artistry, Orgel’s given title of “FORBIDDEN FRUIT” itself is a clear reflection of the song’s nature, alluding to its sensual lyrics and detailed storytelling. With the combined release of “THE THRILL OF IT” alongside “FORBIDDEN FRUIT”, Orgel is releasing his music intentionally and intricately, cleverly communicating to listeners what his next move may be.  With a fun, yet nostalgic and moody energy that draws you directly to dance, Orgel’s “FORBIDDEN FRUIT” both creates movement in and care for listeners. This track is a safe space, inviting all to come forward and plunge themselves into creativity, acceptance, and desire. With the implementation of synths that carry full-bodied, warm power and beats that leave you hooked, this is a song you crave to be never-ending. It wraps you up in its glossiness and pop punctuality, painting a sweet and irresistible picture that encourages people to live in the moment and take a chance on a risk.  “FORBIDDEN FRUIT”, rather than placing shame around the subject or allowing to leave a sour taste in listeners’ mouths, Orgel demonstrates openness and creativity without limiting himself. It’s evident through his detailed, energy-laced songwriting that this is material that Orgel is excited over. With a musical career known for capturing life with clarity and honest, heartfelt songwriting, I am thrilled and beyond curious to see Orgel’s next move following the release of “FORBIDDEN FRUIT” and “THE THRILL OF IT”. Matthew Orgel is a Long Island, NY-born & raised artist. He began his musical journey at the age of four, playing piano, and shortly after, he started singing and writing his own songs. Driven by his early passion for music, Orgel was led to Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he is now pursuing a degree in songwriting. In his musical approach, he involves meaningful, emotionally sincere lyrics and melodies that leave a lasting impression on audiences.  His overall aim is to inspire people and make them feel good through his music, while also creating authentic, memorable experiences. With the recent release of “FORBIDDEN FRUIT”, Orgel has emphasized his excitement over the track and the direction he’s headed in. With a musical foundation consisting of technical flair, emotional authenticity, and quality storytelling, Orgel’s talent and presence are undeniable and something you do not want to miss out on.  Written By Madison Spies FOLLOW MATTHEW ORGEL: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

TOO SEXY TO BE SAD By LEW Cover Art // Photographed by Whitney Otte TOO SEXY TO BE SAD is LEW’s second installment since her edgy rebrand from country to alt-pop. The four-track project follows her early 2025 release, Dead Inside , which earned its spot as one of my favorite releases of the year. While the last EP had a more rock-influenced sound, TOO SEXY TO BE SAD contains more pop-influenced elements, showcasing the singer’s natural ability to genre-bend. LEW is a phenomenal artist with impeccable vocals, clever songwriting, and catchy hooks, making her one of my favorite artists of the modern era. Track List TOO SEXY TO BE SAD WAIT ON ME BORING PHANTOM LIMB. Lauren Weintraub, now releasing music under LEW, is a multigenre singer-songwriter born in Boston, now based in Los Angeles. When she started her music career in 2014, she moved to Nashville, releasing country-pop songs. She has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and several country music festivals. In 2023, I had the honor to see her as a supporting act for Tenille Arts at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. I went in completely unknowledgeable about who Lauren Weintraub was, but I left a fan of the phenomenal singer whose voice gave me goosebumps – something that doesn’t happen to me often. The artist has received impressive achievements, including a nomination for “TikTok Songwriter of the Year” at the 2022 iHeartRadio Awards and being named a HITS Magazine “One to Watch” in 2022. This year, LEW headlined a tour and was a supporting act for Marielle Craft. TOO SEXY TO BE SAD LEW kicks off the album with the infectious title track, “TOO SEXY TO BE SAD.” In the empowering pop anthem, LEW brushes off heartbreak, declaring that she is a catch and is above being hurt by this man. She knows her worth and refuses to let him bring her down. She tells him: “I’m too sexy to be sad // Too pretty to be mad // Too hot for all of your this and that // I'm too funny not to laugh // Too good to love you back // I don't need your drama.” Alongside cheeky lyrics LEW is known for, the song features a dance-pop soundscape that listeners cannot help but dance along to, while maintaining her edge. “TOO SEXY TO BE SAD” is the perfect introduction to her new wave of music. WAIT ON ME The second track transitions to a sultry pop soundscape, matching the cheeky lyrics. “WAIT ON ME” begins with a smooth bassline that lulls the listener into the track. Then, LEW’s infectious voice starts the verse, introducing the fun storyline. Throughout the song, the singer tells her muse to commit. Rather than the stop-and-go they are putting her through, she encourages them to go all in. In the hook, she sings: “1, 2, 3 I'm waiting, don't wait on me // Don't wait, just say you need me.” She is falling for her subject, but is tired of men who play games. The artist confidently tells them not to wait for her move. They just need to jump BORING “BORING” is perhaps the epitome of a perfect pop song. LEW’s infectious vocals, the relatable self-destructive lyrics, and the catchy instrumentation blend to craft an unforgettable track. The bouncy dance-pop production is reminiscent of early Dua Lipa while upholding LEW’s individuality. Throughout the track, she explores the ugly truth of modern dating. Men are vicious, leaving women high and dry. But sometimes, you can get lucky and find one who sends “text me when you’re home, honey” messages. However, LEW admits that she misses that “little dangerous with the head rush.” She wants the excitement and unpredictability of dating a “bad boy” because, well, the good ones are just plain boring. PHANTOM LIMB The final track is a fast-paced breakup song that utilizes vivid imagery to describe a brutal breakup. LEW’s ex-partner is like a phantom limb. This phenomenon occurs when an amputee experiences pain or other sensations where their limb used to be. Similarly, LEW knows her partner is gone and not coming back; however, she sometimes still feels them there. They linger in her heart, creeping in when she least expects them. The clever lyricism brings her suffering to life, making the audience understand how deeply she longs for this person – even if she knows they were bad for her. LEW is one of my favorite artists due to her authentic and creative lyrics, stunning vocals, and genre-bending talent. “TOO SEXY TO BE SAD” may be small, but it packs a lot of punch. The four tracks explore themes of confidence, longing, heartbreak, and desire. LEW knows how to draw in a crowd through unforgettable melodies and relatable lyrics. Her artistry keeps fans on their toes, making them crave more from the versatile artist. Follow LEW on all socials to stay updated with all new releases and announcements! Written By Karlee Skipper Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

If someone hurts you, just remember… IT COMES BACK! BANA’s newest release, “Ripple Effect” shares this exact message. As she carves out her place in UK’s pop world, she blends her cultural influences with a contemporary electronic underground sound. This song is very empowering anthem, with the understanding that healing comes with the pain. You can easily power step down the hall and feel like a boss. Also a great song to play in the car on FULL BLAST! Once you turn this up, you’re not going to want to turn it down. To start, the percussion sets the tone with a funky synth pacing the song smoothly. The crispy percussion throughout is the star of the show, however. Once the chorus hits, there is a snap that adds so much dimension to the song to perfectly execute the beat. Her vocals are perfect as well, with enough reverb to sound angelic and raw. You can hear it in her voice, how much effort and heart is put behind her words. The electronic elements towards the end, too! It creates such a great punch before the fade-out. Even though not many elements are used, this song is gorgeous! BANA is a singer/songwriter based out of Kurdistan . She is known as the pop princess of Sulaymaniyah, the regions capital of culture. At the young age of 16, she entered the Kurd Idol TV singing competition, where she intended to be the only English singer. After a quick change of plans, she ended up singing two songs, one in English and the other in Kurdish. She became an overnight success, where she soon after broke into the Kurdish music industry. She released many songs and a debut album over the five years, yet when the opportunity presented itself, she moved to London to record some singles in English. She weaves in the pop music to her roots, mixing the local instruments and heavy beats within. While facing potential controversy back home, BANA stands tall and proud of her achievements, wanting to continue her path as a role model for young Kurdish girls. Out of the studio, she is an avid advocate for women’s rights in her home country as well, making her not only a breakout pop star, but a culturally significant figure. If you liked this song and would like to stay on the lookout for more BANA, be sure to follow her using the links below! Written By Nevaeh Scott FOLLOW BANA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

In a new single released November 21st, Italian singer songwriter Karhys discusses the feeling of growing confidence in your quietness. Explained as “a gentle dream pop anthem for introverts”, Karhys’ song “Hush” is soft and ethereal, matching the way she views her own mind. She feels as if the world “rewards loudness”, but she is finally okay with being soft and quiet. Introverts are often taught that to be truly seen and heard, they have to speak up and change who they are, but “Hush” says the exact opposite. She says it is more than okay to be quiet, and finds security in finally liking her soft side. The soundscape of this song is calm and dreamy, with sparkling synths and an easy beat. In the first verse and pre-chorus, Karhys explains her personality, how she is more in the background and has to pep-talk herself into speaking her mind. She seems to be discussing it in a negative, embarrassed manner, but then ends the verse with “So I don’t get why this / Would be seen as wrong / Cause it’s not?”. This then leads into the chorus, where she explains finally realizing that she doesn’t need to stress over her personality and if it is “right”. In the chorus, she sings, “Hush, baby baby / Don’t you ever doubt yourself / Just you wait and see / We’re in this together”. She no longer feels the need to doubt or discredit her quiet side, she knows eventually she will be loved just the same for it. Carmen Chirico, also known as Karhys, is a Maltese-Italian singer, songwriter, and producer based in Milan, Italy. Having trained as a classical pianist and studied to get her Master of Music degree in piano performance at age 19, she found her start through classical music. She began to secretly write her own songs and sing them to herself in her bedroom, breaking away from classical and into the pop / singer-songwriter world. Since then, she has grown into a multi-album artist, along with a slew of singles and one EP. She is known for her “soothing vocals”, and yet finds a way to travel through different genres within her various projects. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from Karhys. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW KARHYS: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

Fergus Hogan’s debut single, Run It Back, is an upbeat pop rock song about the chaos of wanting someone you can’t let go of. It describes the insatiable feeling of needing to be with that person and literally doing whatever it takes to get them back. Love is truly that powerful whether it’s first love, tenth love, teenage love, elderly love. As humans, we love with all our hearts and that makes it harder for us to let go of someone that doesn’t want to be with us anymore. Fergus really hit the nail on the head with this one. I also feel the need to mention that he has a cool name. Run It Back is very catchy and I love the way he expresses his love for this person through lyrics like “I’d rather be your slave. My heads under water. Do what it takes to run it back” and ”Getting desperate. I’m invested. Feeling trapped in second guesses. A new approach is up in smoke.” It’s got all the big hooks, energetic production, and emotionally raw lyrics you expect from pop music. Coming from a very young artist, you would think it would be immature or silly, but it’s actually a strong debut with a lot of personality and I would recommend it to pop fans. Fergus Hogan is a pop rock singer, songwriter, and performer hailing from Gold Coast, Australia. He has been writing and performing from a young age. He is inspired by artists like One Direction , George Michael , and Shawn Mendes . His overall sound is a blend of acoustic and pop. It’s polished with warm vocals, heartfelt lyricism, and energetic beats. He wants to be a beacon of hope for Gen Z by making music that’s hopeful, honest, and unafraid to feel so that people feel connected and vulnerable in an age of isolation and cynicism. Be sure to check him out! Written By Jazz FOLLOW FERGUS HOGAN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Margaux Regan has returned with her new single, “Obsessed.” A country-inspired pop single, "Obsessed" sees Regan writing a playful twist on anxious-attachment and how infatuation can become a toxic obsession over time. Full of humor and sarcasm, “Obsessed” finds Regan setting up different meet-cutes that seem organic, saying that “we [got to] stop meeting like this.”  Channeling old school Taylor Swift, Regan goes through the song with a lightness in her voice as Regan finds her own songwriting voice in the indie-folk space. With “Obsessed” being a love letter to both Sabrina Carpenter and Carrie Underwood, Regan leaves listeners laughing and on the edge of their seats for more singles. “Obsessed” is so much fun. With witty and self-aware lyrics co-written by Regan and producer Ian Holmes, “Obsessed” finds its footing in the contrast between the production and lyrics. A soft, country song led by acoustic guitar and heavy drums, “Obsessed” plays with its production, capturing the soft feelings of a crush forming while having its lyrics being a dedication to obsession and doing anything to make a crush a partner. This contrast usually doesn’t hook me, but Regan finds the perfect balance between the sarcastic and the soft. “Obsessed” may be Regan's final offering before her debut EP, but I dare to say it’s my favorite song by her yet. Margaux Regan is a 20-year-old singer-songwriter based in London. The French-Irish artist found herself loving music through artists like U2, The Cranberries, and Sinéad O’Connor. In pursuit of this love, Regan moved to London to pursue a B.A. in songwriting at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance. With inspirations like Zach Bryan, Lizzy McAlpine, and Dolly Parton, Regan’s discography, while small, keeps listeners hooked with each new song. Regan’s debut EP, After Thought , arrives January 26. If listeners would like to keep up with After Thought ’s release and new concert dates, they can find new updates on Regan's social media, linked down below.   Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW MARGAUX REGAN: Instagram | Spotify