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- Review: "WID4L" - Ellen Benediktson
The world’s intense and Ellen Benediktson matches that intensity with her rhythmic pulsing synths in "WID4L." From political events to celebrity drama to job applications, life seems overwhelming. In her latest single, "WID4L," Benediktson thrives in self-awareness, digging into her limits of love. Her yearning is totally rock ‘n’ roll bonded with the flashing lights on the club dancefloor. Her passion is raw and loud, and there’s no signs of keeping her quiet in "WID4L." "WID4L" combines the grooves of popular 2000s dance hits with the quality of modern mastering. The hypnotic melody, tangled in electro-pop synths, zip and zap right to the heart. Each beat claps like a lightning bolt, and the technicality flows like the timing of thunder. Benediktson harnesses what it means to feel with her whole self. In an uncontrollable environment, she doesn’t give up, but she finds power in letting go. Letting the emotions run. Love takes over in "WID4L." The Swedish singer-songwriter is known for her smashing beats powered by electro-pop melodies. Benediktson gained attention in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013. The next year, she placed seventh in the Melodifestivalen. Her intelligence and sympathy for current events extends beyond "WID4L to her start." She released “When The Sun Comes Up” in association to the Swedish Feminist Initiative. You can check out more of her music using the links below. Written By Taylor Sheridan Lempke FOLLOW ELLEN BENEDIKTSON: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Bug Eyes" - Dani Stocksdale
There are many exciting feelings during the development of a new relationship. Anticipation, anxieties, and attraction all swirl together to create the perfect combo, which is heightened at the exact moment before the first contact is made. Standing face to face, eye to eye, wondering who will make the first move and initiate that first kiss, wondering how right it will feel to close the space between each other. This moment is what Dani Stocksdale explores in her new single “Bug Eyes”, released March 18th. This track is indie pop, with a similar sound to that of MUNA and Gracie Abrams. The track opens with Stocksdale describing the scene unfolding in front of her. They are face to face, noses touching, and she feels like there is nothing between them, not even daylight. She explains her fears that his wingspan alone could “eat me whole / and swallow my pride / spit out the bones / leave me with nothing”. As excited as she is for this moment, she is riddled with anxiety about the cons, which she circles back to in the bridge. For now, we continue to the chorus, where the soundscape dims to give a clear focus on Stocksdale’s point of view through a simple lyric: “I wanna be more / I wanna be yours”. The rest of the track’s soundscape holds the quick strumming of a guitar and swirling harmonies, but the harmonies are cut in the chorus to amplify her vocal line. Dani Stocksdale is a 22 year old pop artist based in New York City. She is an independent artist and creates her music based on her own life experiences, allowing herself to be honest and raw with her writing. She attended NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, which helped her hone her craft and focus on her goals of creating “lyrics that tease meanings, and pair them with catchy melodies”. Growing up in a bilingual home, Dani was raised with both Hispanic and American culture. Her first memories of music include Spanish nursery rhymes and 80s Spanish hits, and she is excited to include more about her heritage in her future releases. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from Dani Stocksdale. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW DANI STOCKSDALE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Website | YouTube
- Review: "Vaporize Me" - KENTON
KENTON’s new single, Vaporize Me, is an upbeat dance/electro pop song about wanting someone to take him away from his problems. In the music video, he showcases his impressive dancing skills despite struggling with his mental health and craving a break from his reality. When you’re struggling with anything in life, you want to run away and leave those problems even if it’s just for a day. That’s why I believe we all need more breaks, rest, vacation, etc. so we can properly recharge and be able to truly enjoy life in spite of the struggles we face. Vaporize Me has strengths that are hard to find in pop songs these days including vivid lyrics and crisp production. The entire chorus “Take me floating through the trees. Vaporize me, take my body. I’m a raindrop in the breeze. Take my body, vaporize me” is a winner in my book. I always love songs that I can dance to, but I also want the lyrics to be deep and meaningful. This song is exactly what I’m looking for in pop music. If you have similar music tastes to mine, then you definitely need to put this on your next playlist. KENTON is a Taiwanese-American singer songwriter hailing from Irvine, California. He has supported major artists including Katy Perry , Billie Eilish , Benson Boone , Cynthia Erivo , and Jennifer Hudson . He released his debut album, Sweetmouth, just a few months ago featuring singles " Gift of Loneliness ", " Dirty Laundry ", and "Without You". The album explored queer identity, religion, self-love, and familial love. He is not just a singer, but also an actor having appeared in Superstore, The Rookie, Perfect Harmony, and many other productions. He is a multi-faceted individual who deserves your attention. Written By Jazz FOLLOW KENTON: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Arsonist" - Seanna Pereira
We have all experienced personal battles between our mind and heart at some point. A part of you can be very aware that something might not be good for you. But another part of you can't help but still yearn for that. Its easy to override any internal logic or external warnings from others. When you really want something, there isn't much that can easily get rid of the all-consuming feelings. In "Arsonist", Pereira describes just that. The lyrics are unforgettable because of their relatability. It makes you feel seen, and maybe even comforted, knowing that the song shares your personal experiences, too. Lyrics like "Wanna crash, wanna burn / Wanna love till it hurts" and "I can't resist / oh shit baby I'm an arsonist" convey all the internal feelings so many of us have felt. The unshakable feeling of being addicted to someone is hard to ignore, and Pereira's empowering song "Arsonist" makes it so that you don't have to. The moment the song starts, its easy to see why the song is titled "Arsonist." Its tune is upbeat and feels somewhat intoxicating while listening. Pereira's melodic vocals are a perfect blend of powerful and gentleness. When paired with the lively sound, its a song that should immediately be added to your spring or summer playlist. The dance pop track is the kind of song that lets you release all inhibitions. I could imagine playing the song during a warm day with the windows down. From start to finish, "Arsonist" makes it impossible not to dance or vibe along to its addicting sound that you won't be able to get enough of. Seanna Pereira is quickly emerging as one of pop's newest voices to watch. With emotional storytelling and polished songwriting, she turns personal experiences into universal anthems. Raised between Florida and Los Angeles, Pereira has spent most of her life performing. Before stepping fully into music, she worked as a young actress, which has also helped her with her songwriting. Her debut single "Options" was about self-worth and refusing to settle, which racked over 700K streams in its first month. Pereira has earned support from BBC Radio 1's Future Pop with Mollie King & Maia Beth, Ones To Watch, iHeartRadio, L'Officiel, Hunger Magazine, and Spotlight Magazine. Her latest single "Arsonist" is setting the stage for her debut EP. Written By Kyler Griggs FOLLOW SEANNA PEREIRA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Walk Away" - EMI WIDE x ARRIE
courtesy of SASCHA VAN DER WERF "Walk Away" by EMI WIDE and ARRIE explores the turbulence of a push-and-pull relationship, where desire only seems to exist in absence. The song captures the frustrating dynamic of someone who pleads “don’t walk away” when the relationship is slipping, yet only becomes fully invested once the other person has finally let go. This cycle of mixed signals and delayed realization creates an emotional imbalance where one person is constantly chasing clarity while the other discovers theirs too late. Their voices are in conversation with each other throughout the song. EMI WIDE expresses the exhaustion of trying to move on, singing that the moment she finally begins to forget, the other person reappears to reignite old feelings, repeating “don’t walk, don’t walk away.” In contrast, ARRIE’s lines suggest regret and lingering attachment, insisting that they were always invested. Ultimately, the song is about the emotional confusion of loving someone who only seems to value you when you’re no longer within reach and the difficulty of truly walking away. Electro-pop tune "Walk Away" blends emotionally evocative production with the genre's classic musical structure to accentuate its ruminative tone. Instrumentals spotlighting drum beats that give a steady, almost hypnotic groove, fluttering electric bass chords, and atmospheric synths create a clean stage for EMI WIDE and ARRIE's guiding vocals. The song follows a minimalistic format, beginning with a stripped-down intro and continuing verses that gradually build into a more immersive chorus, allowing the emotional intensity to rise naturally while harmonies in the chorus add richness and emotional weight. Altogether, the song creates a feeling of quiet tension and release, capturing the complicated emotions of letting go. The single was co-written in Vienna, Austria, where ARRIE lives. EMI WIDE shares about the co-writing process, “The song just flowed when we wrote it. It was a topic we both related to, which made the process feel very natural." ARRIE was called to music from a young age, requesting his first guitar at the age of four. Now twenty-one, he has been writing songs for years, recording and producing by himself. He has built a growing fan base across Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, achieving viral success on Spotify and Apple Music — including a spot in Austria’s Viral Top 50. Evolving from GarageBand to Logic Pro, ARRIE is committed to capturing the "special but easily forgettable moments through his songs. For him, it's the little things that count." Written By Azalea Withrow FOLLOW ARRIE: Instagram | Spotify FOLLOW EMI WIDE: Instagram | Spotify
- Review: "The Man Who Lost It All" - Boy In Space
"The Man Who Lost It All" is one of the most unique sounding songs with lyrics that will make listeners stop in their tracks to analyze what's going on in their life at this very moment. This song sounds like you want to run and cry at the same time as it's speaking to such big emotions on the human experience. So often I hear how we're terribly hard on ourselves about things that we are either doing or not doing. This song is that feeling. The feeling of being young and knowing that you have time but while ackowledging how that space of having time can make you spiral. This song sounds big. This song feels big. This song is big. At first listen, the song overall sounds like a folk tune that you want to listen to while driving with the sun rising next to you. Like all good folk songs, the vibes should sound fun but the lyrics should break your heart. Boy In Space rips into your soul with these lyrics in "Man Who Lost It All." Starting the song off saying, "I've gained and lost some weight" but also showing off lyrics that speak to how hard it can be to be a creative saying, "I love and hate the music that I make" speak right off at the top how honest this song is going to be. The chorus is honestly more fun and light but still makes you stop and think about what our future holds. One of my favorite lines from the whole song is when the song starts spiraling about what life looks like for us at 70 years old saying, "If I fail then, carve it in the family tree." This song is truly incredible from beginning to end through the musicality and through the lyrics. Robin Lundbäck, known professionally as Boy In Space, is a singer-songwriter and musician from Sweden. Their roots stem from The X-Factor Australia where they joined a Swedish boy band JTR before comitting to a solo career. In 2018, they released their first single as a solo artist and hasn't stopped since. With a total of 574k monthly listeners just on Spotify, Boy In Space is quickly growing into a voice that we're hearing a lot more of. They also just released two new singles, "The Man Who Lost It All" and "Who's Crying When I'm Leaving?" as we all anticipate the next either EP or album that will come from them. Written By Bre Macomber FOLLOW BOY IN SPACE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- 10 Aries Artists for Aries Music Enthusiasts
Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, are bold and ambitious—both much-needed qualities in the music industry. This fire sign is known for relentless determination—these are the artists who push through the challenges, no matter what comes their way. Symbolized by the ram and ruled by Mars, known for the Roman God of War, they’re courageous. They’re passionate and fully fuel whatever emotion that they're feeling. This list of ten Aries musicians is here to guide you through the season to be an unstoppable force. Damon Albarn (March 23) Aries creatives never stop chasing their passion—it follows them from project to project. Damon Albarn found fame as the front man for Blur and as the main creative force behind pop group Gorillaz. He gained attention with crisp guitars, punchy rhythms, and experimental synth textures. Blur achieved a critical and commercial breakthrough with Parklife (1994). In the late 1990s, Albarn and comic-book artist Jamie Hewlett developed the idea for the virtual band Gorillaz. Mina (March 24) Just like Myoui Mina of TWICE, the Aries sign has a powerful inner strength even when all seems quiet. Mina embodies that resilience as she performs, despite her anxiety. Her music supports her. The shimmery synth-pop and layered vocals in “Feel Special” and “The Feels” are fun and glossy—just the fuel to keep you going and center yourself. Mina displays her endurance on the 2015 JYP survival show, SIXTEEN, which led her to TWICE. For the Aries listeners, turn on the tunes and keep shining. Aretha Franklin (March 25) The Aries sign doesn’t hold back, and neither does Aretha Franklin. The gifted singer and pianist became the first female artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her gospel-rooted vocals in “Respect” and intensity in “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)” took over the charts, dubbing her “The Queen of Soul.” In 2008, she won her 18th Grammy Award. Aretha Franklin is just the artist for Aries listeners. She expresses her emotions without hesitation. Don’t let anyone stop you from feeling deeply. Elton John (March 25) Elton John is known for his extravagant compositions, piano technique, and self-expression. Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, he took on the persona of Elton John with flamboyant glam rock flair and wild glasses. He’s adored for crowd favorites like “Rocket Man,” “Candle in the Wind,” and “Bennie and the Jets.” When Aries find themselves between their bold style and overwhelming emotions, Elton John’s music creates a bridge. Mariah Carey (March 27) Mariah Carey has recorded 19 No. 1 songs, more than any solo artist in Billboard Hot 100 history. She’s adored for her five-octave range and popular love ballads. Her self-titled debut album showcased her vocal range, “whistle notes,” and blend of pop and R&B. Her hit songs include “Vision of Love,” “Hero,” and her modern holiday classic “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” Lady Gaga (March 28) Lady Gaga is a Grammy-winning musician known for the songs “Born This Way,” “Just Dance,” and “Die With a Smile.” She grew up in New York City as Stefani Germanotta. Time has named her twice in their “100 Most Influential People.” She’s known for her theatrics and unique fashion, including her appearance in Super Bowl shows. Lady Gaga performed in New York City clubs as a teenager and studied at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. She combined glam rock and over-the-top fashion design. Pharrell Williams (April 5) Pharrell Williams is an American musician who was involved in a number of pop hits. He was part of the producing team the Neptunes and a member of the band N.E.R.D. Williams and saxophonist Chag Hugo began music in high school. He’s written scores and songs for movies such as Despicable Me . His creativity extended into his recent biographic film “Piece by Piece” told through Lego animation. Matty Healy (April 8) Matthew Timothy Healy, known as Matty Healy, is the front man of The 1975. He is an English singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. His band The 1975 made hits like “Somebody Else” “Chocolate” and “About You.” Prior to performing in stadiums, the band performed punk covers at local clubs. As Healy and the band added soft '80s synth textures and rhythms, they created just the combo to make you feel like a protagonist in a John Hughes movie—fueled with the strongwill and optimism that makes an Aries. Akon (April 16) Akon, born Aliuane Thiam, is known for his R&B vocals and hip-hop beats. He’s known for his collaborations in popular 2000s dance hits with Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, David Guetta, and Michael Jackson. Most notably, he co-wrote Lady Gaga’s hit, “Just Dance.” PinkPantheress (April 19) PinkPantheress, Victoria Beverly Walker, embodies the Aries leader, as she’s the first female and youngest winner to receive BRIT Awards’ 2026 Producer of The Year. PinkPantheress is inventive while also precise in the sounds, textures, and rhythms, bringing UK garage beats and chopped samples to the party scene. She’s a two-time Grammy Nominee for “Best Dance Pop Recording” and “Best Dance/Electronic Album.” The two nominations feature music from her recent mixtape Fancy That. She created a remix project Fancy Some More? that features artists like Zara Larsson and SEVENTEEN. Written By Taylor Sheridan Lempke Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.
- Album Review: "ARIRANG" - BTS
BTS's new album, ARIRANG , is finally here! If you're ARMY, this is the comeback you've been waiting for for years now. This is the group's first full length album as a band since each member staggered their mandatory military service, starting in 2022. So strap in and let's break it down! Tracklist : 1. Body to Body 2. Hooligan 3. Aliens 4. FYA 5. 2.0 No. 29 7. SWIM 8. Merry Go Round 9. NORMAL 10. Like Animals 11. they don't know 'bout us 12. One More Night 13. Please 14. Into the Sun If you haven't heard of BTS by now, this explosive K-pop boy band debuted in 2013 and have been nonstop ever since. They've released six full length studio albums, as well as countless singles, EPs, and solo projects. Everywhere you go, you can find some piece of BTS merch, bearing testament to the group's popularity. The band consists of seven members, Kim Namjoon, Kim Seokjin, Min Yoongi, Jung Hoseok, Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung, and Jeon Jungkook, better known as RM, Jin, SUGA, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Each member is known for their unique talents in things like singing, dancing, and rapping. Of course, the band is also beloved for the members' personalities and the way they interact together. Each new album is a cherished event amongst the group's fanbase, ARMY. Body to Body Starting off strong is our first track, "Body to Body". This song immediately kicks off the tone of the album, with an edgier approach than we're used to seeing from recent BTS. The general theming of the track revolves around wanting to be close to someone. Life is hectic, especially when you're an idol, and you probably don't get to slow down and feel that closeness very often. However, it's also a great party track, telling listeners to get up and jump, bringing that hip hop essence we all know and love from BTS. Overall, this is a great hook for the new album, immediately drawing us in to see what the boys are cooking up next. Hooligan Next up is "Hooligan", featuring our rap line in full force. The "classic movie" music sampled into the beat is absolutely divine to the ears, bringing a creative genre dissonance that's wholly unique. This is the kind of banger that BTS fans have been waiting to hear for a long time, with all three rappers back in the same place, and the vocal line offering flowing lines in-between. Lyrically, the track is just about having a beat that goes hard, and it does! It's about going crazy, like a hooligan, and losing yourself in the music. Overall, it's just a fun track with super well-done production that keeps your head bobbing throughout. I highly recommend this one for your next car ride. Aliens Speaking of songs to blast in the car, "Aliens" also fits the bill. Here on track three, we've now set the vibe for the album, edgy, spicy hip hop, something akin to the BTS we knew during their "Dark & Wild" era. However, this one feels a little more cryptic. The premise of the song is pretty entertaining, talking about how the band members see themselves as aliens. From my perspective, the group compares being idols to being aliens, conveying that they lives totally different lives than the average person, but it's okay, just get up and dance. The track also includes references to Korean culture, maybe also alluding to their Korean heritage as being 'alien' to the Western world. No matter the intended meaning, "Aliens" stands as a real hip hop banger for the group. Definitely add it to your playlist! FYA Moving into more of a pop music space, "FYA" absolutely brings the heat, literally. The word "FYA" is just another way to say fire. (Maybe this is the spiritual successor to "Burning Up"?) With that said, the music embodies the title perfectly. It's an upbeat dance anthem, featuring some pretty clever lyrics. My personal favorite is, "Club go crazy like Britney, baby. Hit me with it one more time.". Of course, this works so well because of the song's club-type beat. This is 100% something you'd want to hear with low lights and a drink in hand. "FYA" brings the hype, a perfect pop jam for this era, showing the fans that the boys who captivated a generation never left. 2.0 I don't know about you, but I am absolutely living for all of the hip hop influence on this album. "2.0" stays in that space, featuring each member in a unique light. However, we hear impressive rap sections from RM, SUGA and J-Hope, really showcasing their talent. The song's meaning, however, is pretty interesting. The lyrics want us to know that this is definitely a new era. It's version 2.0 of BTS. Our boys are telling us that they're coming back stronger than ever, still brilliant, still bulletproof. And this one goes hard, keeping that high energy throughout. No. 29 Okay, now for something way out of left field. "No. 29" isn't your traditional track. Actually, it's not really even a song. We hear a gong sound that rings out for exactly one minute, thirty-eight seconds, ending in silence. And no, there's nothing wrong with your headphones. This was intentional. At first it's confusing, but there's a Korean history reference at play here. The specific bell sound heard here is meant to be the divine bell of King Seongdeok, dating all the way back to 771 AD. This chime is considered to be South Korea's National Treasure No. 29. This is a parallel to the album's title, ARIRANG , a traditional Korean folk song with specific emotional significance. I believe "No. 29" exists on this album to further solidify the Korean heritage that BTS takes immense pride in. It also serves as a meditative interlude between tracks. SWIM "SWIM", ARIRANG's marketed single, is one of the only tracks on the album that is entirely in English. It's also more mellow than anything we've heard on the album so far. "SWIM" feels softer, more like an R&B-style love song. The track describes longing over a girl, just wanting to dive right in and be with her. Additionally, the music video takes place on a boat, further solidifying the nautical theme. The somber energy in "SWIM" takes us somewhere relaxing, painting a picture of somewhere by the ocean. 8. Merry Go Round Our eighth track, "Merry Go Round", describes the feeling of being stuck in a loop. It expresses the feeling of doing something over and over again that you might not necessarily love, but keep doing anyway. Beyond this, it talks about putting on a smile to hide our true feelings. It's a story we can all relate to in some capacity. Musically, "Merry Go Round" keeps the mellow energy we've built in the middle of this album, but this time a little sadder, and it makes sense. Day to day life can feel overwhelming, mundane, and repetitive. Sometimes, we just want to get off this ride, and that resonates with me. NORMAL "NORMAL" stops to reflect on just how different BTS's lives are from the average person's. They describe how the things that they call normal are actually incredibly stressful. Always being in the spotlight means always being watched and talked about. Sometimes, you just want to step away from it all, but with such a large fanbase, it's nearly impossible. It's a subtle but intimate look into the true feelings of pop stars in the real world. Meanwhile, the rhythm is nothing to overlook. The song is wirtten and performed very well. It's a nice cross between emotion and a catchy pop tune. It's definitely one of my favorites. Like Animals "Like Animals" is yet another cryptic sounding song on this album. It's hard to tell exactly what the song is conveying, but it could be about a secret or forbidden love. The track describes wanting to be 'like animals' with someone, while also touching on the melancholy side of things. I think what BTS is trying to tell us is that all humans are just animals at heart, untamable, so live in the moment while you can. Overall, the song sounds very passionate, with emotional features to the entire vocal line. It's a really beautiful piece. 11. they don't know 'bout us "they don't know 'bout us" continues on the theming that fans don't really know the members of BTS like they think they do. It goes into detail about how the band is seen as heroes, but they just feel like seven regular people. With the world's eyes on them, every move they make is studied, but no one really knows them. The track feels honest, like it's trying to tell us to stop being so parasocial, a typical issue that forms in large fandoms like ARMY. To me, this song feels like a genuine plea that says, "Hey, we have grown and changed, and that's normal and okay." One More Night Next up is my personal favorite on the album, "One More Night". This one just has such a good beat. It's just so danceable. The lyrics tell the story of having one amazing night, just wanting to repeat it one more time, unable to get the memories out of your head. We've definitely all experienced this feeling at some point in our lives. We've all had unforgettable events that stick with us for days or weeks, and they're always over too quickly. Besides being extremely catchy, I think this song is super relatable, making it one of the most iconic on ARIRANG . 13. Please "Please" is a song that really embodies that 'BTS 2.0' feeling. It's very grown up, leaning into the more mature feelings we're getting from this era. This track talks about the yearning and heartbreak that comes with being separated from someone you love. The lyrics resonate with anyone who has ever experienced intense longing for someone that they miss. It's really relatable in today's digital world. We can connect with anyone at any time, but nothing takes the place of in-person contact. "Please" also takes on a more R&B feel in contrast to other songs on the album, bringing a deep sensuality to the song, especially following up "One More Night". It's yet another song on this album that reflects deeper, less superficial feelings that we haven't really been exposed to until this era. We're seeing a trend here of BTS being more genuine than ever, and I say that's a win. 14. Into the Sun Finally, we've reached our final track on the album, "Into the Sun". This one feels really heartfelt. It expresses having found a special person that knows you like nobody else does. It's about seeing the sunlight in them and wanting to protect that with everything you have. The song talks about just wanting to go home to be with that person. At the end of the day, they're all that matters. Because when you love someone, you'll follow them into the sun. It's a loving ending to an album with so much heart, and once again, genuine feelings. ARIRANG is an album that takes us on a journey through the struggles of fame and show business to deep emotional passion within just fourteen songs. It's clear to see the differences between this era and all those that came before it. Although all of BTS's albums are wonderful, there's something really personal about this one. ARIRANG shows us that we're all just humans with human emotions, and it's perfectly fine to be honest about that. Sometimes things are hard and we hide them. Sometimes we're really confident and it feels awesome, but at the end of the day, we're just ourselves, and I think that's really special. Written By Shelbi Baker Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.
- Review: "Not Used To You" - Caroline Romano
The spring tulips, daffodils, and lilacs are blooming, and so is Caroline Romano’s new romance. In her latest single, “Not Used To You,” her heart defrosts from the old, cold, bitter relationship. She compares her love life to Jane Austen’s protagonists who stand out in the rain. In Elizabeth Bennet fashion, each of Romano’s words sparkle with wit, charm, and confidence. She sings, “But c'est la vie/ Whatever the fuck that means/ Got that je ne sais quoi baby.” Learning what a healthy relationship means isn’t easy at first. Warm rays seem to burn like flames, until they’re the source for the twinkling glimmers atop ocean waves and growth of vibrant plants. “Not Used To You” is just as colorful as Spring. In Romano’s single “Not Used To You,” guitar strings, synthesizers, basslines, and beats glimmer, sparkle, and pop to form a feeling of instant renewal. The melody floats upon soft guitar strings paired with the synthesizer pad. The beat hits like slamming car doors when friends pile in the car. Romano’s chorus has the power of a karaoke-drive with the windows down as the gloomy skies finally let the sunlight through. Her satisfying hints of rasp, filled with emotion, are perfect for those all-out performances when your hairbrush becomes a microphone and your bed becomes a stage. Romano brings on all the feelings of the season—you can’t help but feel fresh. Romano co-wrote “Not Used To You” with Todd Tran, Sam Varga, and Michael Van Wagoner for her 6-track EP, it took me falling. The EP traces her personal growth, through the pathways of beauty and chaos. Romano’s journey started in Mississippi and she now writes from Nashville. She released her debut album Oddities and Prodigies in 2022. Her voice fits in nearly anything she sings, from slow-tempo ballads to rock-n-roll distorted guitars. Romano’s recent EP reveals her ability. Check out the links below to listen to more of her music. Written By Taylor Sheridan Lempke FOLLOW CAROLINE ROMANO: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Shocked!" - Tiffany Johnson
It's hard to be in a relationship where everyone thinks they know the reality of your situation. To be with someone who hides behind their charm, only to hurt you over and over again. "Shocked!" by artist Tiffany Johnson explores the stereotypical nice guy who's actually not nice trope to create a fun angsty pop track. The song blends elements of classic modern pop music to create a track that feels very familiar to this space. Tiffany Johnson knows how to have fun, this is made very clear from her music, because even with a song about heartbreak, listeners can enjoy this anthem with a smile on their face as they blast "Shocked!." What this song also does is deliver the notion that one doesn't know the reality of another person's relationship, which people often forget. As previously mentioned, "Shocked!" shares a lot of similarities to the classic modern pop style and you can pinpoint certain elements and connect them to other notable artists. The instrumentals stay uncomplicated and limited up until this chorus, this works as the song's style feels more centered around the lyrics and vocal melody. It's a songwriting style that feels like a conversation that needs explicit attention. When we do get to the chorus and the instrumental pattern shifts, and here is where we get more of the speaker's anger and frustration, not just with their partner, but everyone around them that can't accept the truth. The story itself works well in selling the glamour the speaker's partner is selling, expressing how unbelievable the public finds the speaker's situation. You can also really hear the frustration in Johnson's vocal performance, she doesn't hold back from the necessary intensity the song requires. What adds to the appeal of "Shocked!" It's a song you know would kill live. You listen to the track and you can imagine yourself in the audience jumping around and singing along, and that's what makes a great single. Tiffany Johnson is an artist originally from South Dakota but is now based in Nashville who has been musically involved since she was very young. Her music has been spotlit by notable platforms such as Spotify's "Fresh Finds" playlist and has done very well in song writing competitions. Johnson has been praised in the past for her live performance abilities and for her authenticity when writing, and that honesty does come across as very clear in her music. Her style blends modern pop and traditional songwriter pop, but her personality is still able to shine through, which is nice to see. So, if you need to scream and complain about a "nice guy" you once dated, don't hesitate to press play on "Shocked!" Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW TIFFANY JOHNSON: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Spaghetti Western" - Maudlin Strangers
Have you ever wanted to be seen so deeply and accepted for every piece of yourself? We probably all have, and sometimes that want can feel so overwhelming when your thoughts are a warzone. You’re ready to show it all, but your insides scream to hide it under lock and key because what if they turn you away. Maudlin Strangers just released their new single “Spaghetti Western” about yearning for someone to see every bit of you, but only having the courage to ask in fleeting moments. The track is glossy without feeling safe. It makes vices feel like victories throughout the entirety of the song. It’s for the ones who feel like taking risks but are scared of what’s to come on the other side. “Spaghetti Western” was recorded in a 111-year-old house. Maudlin Strangers put mics in every space the house had to offer and let creativity take control. The group has always written for the moments when the party starts to curdle, when the room is still too loud but your brain is already doing damage control. They added so many old time western textures blended with ghosly synths that truly create a fun haunted experience when listening. You can feel the longing in every vocal delivery and it send chills down your spine. You fall into the story of desiring a love that is passionate and destructive by your own mind. "I see a whirlwind romance, just like Bonnie and Clyde." All of the chronic yearners are sure to have this song on repeat. Maudlin Strangers was born by Jake Hayes in 2010 as a self-creative outlet. He drew inspiration from from both classic and contemporary influences creating a melodic blend of alternative and indie rock. Maudlin Strangers developed the sonic identity on their first EP “Overdose” which was released in 2015. The EP brought in attention that Maudlin Stangers never expected which landed them tour opportunities with groups such as Bad Suns, LANY and Cold War Kids. After all the momentum, they decided to take a hiatus, but they never truly faded. In 2023, Maudlin Strangers made their return with original members, Richie Gonzales and Jake Hayes and new members, Alexander Morgan and Drew Bruchs. Today the group continues to craft songs exploring mental health, love and existential longing. They invite you into an eerie world mixing dark and light soundscapes, follow the links down below to explore all they have to offer. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW MAUDLIN STRANGERS: Instagram | Spotify | YouTube
- Review: "Monster" - Lila Holler
If you're in the market for a song that makes you feel like foggy forest, look no further than Lila Holler's new single, Monster. In a comparison between herself and other women, Holler shares the complexity and exhaustion she feels towards the experience of being sexualized as a woman. “This song came to me at a point in my life where I felt very shamefully reliant on male validation to dictate my self-worth,” she shares. “I felt as though I was stuck using sexuality as a way to perform— to emulate someone that I am not in an attempt to feel desirable or sexy as a woman. That performance bred jealousy,” she continues, “and it brought me to a dark headspace for quite some time.” Despite this darkness, Holler recognized that this experience was more than just her own—it was common among young women worldwide. Through giving a voice to the simultaneously isolating yet universal experience of feeling like a “Monster” within your own body and actions, Lila leans into her vulnerability in a powerful and emotionally resonant way. Delivering lines like “Trying on my mother's heels, I'm stuffing them with old socks,” she further touches on the aspect of performance she observes in women like herself. She notes that the imagery of stuffing her mother's shoes with old socks encapsulates the feeling she's had her whole life— that she is a girl constantly striving to fit the mold of what makes a woman “sexy,” even if it doesn’t always feel authentic. The songwriting process for “Monster” was both challenging and thrilling. Leaning into a heavier alternative pop-rock sound was an exciting turning point for Lila, allowing her to break out of her traditional indie-pop mold without losing a shred of her brutal honesty. The identity she’s found in creating this piece feels like her most authentic yet, and she looks forward to continuing to develop it further. Lila Holler is an indie-pop musician and songwriter who finds inspiration in her nomadic upbringing across the United States. Influenced by artists like The Marias and Phoebe Bridgers, Holler's sound blends folk-pop intimacy with alternative edge. Her music is a journey through the landscapes of love, growth, and self-discovery, inviting listeners into a world where every song feels like the soundtrack to their own story. A 2023 Interlochen Arts Academy graduate and Fine Arts Award recipient, Holler's talent is evident in her numerous accolades. Whether on stage or in the studio, Holler creates a musical experience that resonates with raw emotion and lived experience. "Monster" is out now on all streaming platforms. Make sure to follow Lila Holler on social media for new release updates! Written By Deanna Moody FOLLOW LILA HOLLER: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube












