We all know now there’s a huge difference between a boy and a man. A boy will only care for his own needs and focus on the present, while a man will put care and time into the future and consistently work to better themselves and the ones around him. A man will love you while a boy can only love himself. Tanja just released her new pop single “LA Boy” that examines fragile masculinity hiding behind a carefully crafted exterior. With electric guitar riffs, dance synths and satirical lyrics, this track has a comedic spin on being exhausted with boys. It’s the perfect listen when you’ve reached your limit on immaturity. LA Boy feels very Sabrina Carpenter inspired so if you’re a fan of her, this song won’t disappoint. Tanja describes “LA Boy” as a portrait of the modern LA player. The song holds up a mirror to the archetype and dares him to look. Los Angelas is full of media perfected identities that can be so out of touch. Tanjas intent is to show them who they truly are and see how quick they are to self reflect. “Tellin all your friends back home that you made it, but you, don’t even know who you are.” She also stated that the song didn’t take much effort and how all the boys basically wrote it for her. There’s nothing more entertaining than a woman calling out a guys red flags and putting their true colors on display. Tanja is a pop singer-songwriter, originally from Napa Valley. She moved to Los Angeles to pursue her passion for music. Her debut single “Haunted House” was released in 2023 and after following it up with other singles, she is about to release her debut EP. It will be heavily inspired by Gothic literature, Kate Bush and Stevie Nicks. Tanja has been crafting her sound into something unique to her own artistry and I can’t wait to see what her EP brings. If you love this track as much as I do, be sure to check out the links below to follow her journey. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW TANJA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

A touching ode to his wife, Drew Schueler has released his latest single, "Burden." The track comes as part of an EP of the same name, giving a glimpse into the deeply resonating, vulnerable message of the project as the artist explores themes and issues related to mental health. Revealing the inspiration behind the song, Schueler shares, "In a world where mental health conversations are more vital than ever, 'Burden' offers a tender yet powerful perspective on loving someone through their anxiety. I wrote this song for my wife, to tell her that I'll be there for her even on her worst days." Strikingly sweet and sentimental, Drew Schueler pours unconditional love and understanding into the essence of the delicate, moving ballad that is "Burden." The track's instrumentation is simple yet stunning, featuring contemplative piano lines that support Schueler's impassioned, thoughtful vocals. Providing a ray of hope for when things feel most bleak, Schueler's heartfelt vocal performance paired with the song's reassuring, inspirational message reminds listeners that they're never alone and mental health struggles don't make anyone a burden. A multi-faceted rising pop star, Drew Schueler is gearing up for a breakthrough year. The Nashville-based singer-songwriter has built an impressive career so far, filled with accomplishments and praise from the likes of Rolling Stone UK. He has won prizes recognizing his carefully crafted music, including the 2024 American Songwriter Contest and the 2023 NSAI Contest. Outside of his solo work, Schueler has also co-written tracks, earning recognition for his credits on "Somebody" for EXO's D.O. , which surpassed 50 million streams and debuted at number 1 in 25 countries on iTunes. Certainly an artist to watch, Drew Schueler and his emotive work deserve to be on every pop enthusiasts' radar. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW DREW SCHUELER: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Jason Kerrison is back with his newest single, “You Are Love.” “You Are Love” is a touching, guitar-led ballad about perseverance and overcoming all that’s in your way. A tribute to Jason’s wife, Adele, who was facing a life-threatening illness, the track is an anthem of encouragement. To quote Jason, “the song is a love letter to courage.” “You Are Love” is the perfect song for when you need a little pick-me-up to remind yourself that with love and a positive attitude, all can be overcome, no matter what. Singing along to the song is like an act of manifestation; Jason’s lyrics are all motivational, positive affirmations. When times can seem hard, “You Are Love” is a reminder that all can work out in the end. What shines the most on “You Are Love” are the lyrics. Jason demonstrates a truly heartfelt and uplifting demeanor throughout. It’s hard not to listen to it and smile. The song’s background, coming from such a personal space, completely shines through. There is a just real sense of authenticity to “You Are Love” that simply can’t be replicated. Lines like “Someone needs to say so, you can trust yourself and let go” or the chorus’ “You are love and love is all around you” are just a few examples of how the track radiates optimism. “You Are Love” puts the power in power anthem. Jason Kerrison is a singer-songwriter-producer from Cambridge, New Zealand. His career has spanned decades, from his work in the highly influential rock band OPSHOP to his work for the hip-hop group The Babysitters Circus. Jason is an artist who has done it all, never tied down to a specific genre or sound. He has seen mass critical success, receiving honors from the likes of the New Zealand Music Awards and the Australasian Performing Rights Association. Jason currently has over 10 million streams on Spotify. He also has several ventures outside of music, most notably his startup company, MahiFlow AI. His work truly has something for everybody, and you can listen to this discography, including “You Are Love,” on all streaming platforms now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW JASON: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Estella Kirk’s latest single, “Growing Pains,” has been released. A heartfelt dedication to the process of trying to keep one’s faith while growing up, Kirk questions why growing up has to be so negative. Trying to figure out the unknowns while being proud of oneself for growing throughout the unknowns before strikes a hard balance, but Kirk seems to have unlocked the key for her getting through this process: keeping her faith and wearing her heart on her sleeve. While there are things to be afraid of, like moving away from home and learning how to depend on others, Estella knows that through her faith and belief that she’s going to be okay–a message that’s impactful for young adults everywhere. Kirk really gripped me in “Growing Pains.” While I don’t share the same faith as her, the message of keeping hope throughout the beginning of adulthood still hits the same, no matter what faith you believe in. Her dedication to her faith while growing into a new person is inspiring; knowing that there’s a solid part of you that’s always going to be there has been a fundamental part of my growing process as an adult, and I felt that deeply translated throughout the song. In a world where burnout and lack of hope runs rampant, “Growing Pains” is a standout song. With hope for the future and knowing that she will be okay, Estella Kirk’s ballad inspires others to keep up a “bright side” perspective, something that’s desperately needed in the world today. Estella Kirk is an upcoming Christian-pop artist based in the United States. With her music centered on her relationship with her faith, Kirk’s music is deeply personal. With her newest EP on the way, fans and casual listeners can expect a journey with Kirk about shifts in identity, doubts, and tests in faith. With over 21,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Kirk has been steadily growing since her debut single “Shelter in the Storm,” released in 2020. Writing songs about her experiences with religion with cinematic backing tracks and vulnerable lyrics, Kirk leaves it all on the table for listeners to hear and connect with. You can keep up with Estella Kirk’s latest singles and concert dates on her social media, linked down below. Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW ESTELLA KIRK: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

In her latest single, Chilli Chilton perfectly describes how it feels to finally be over a relationship, while still looking back and remembering your heartbreak. “Over It Now”, dropped just last week, has hit almost 7,000 streams and is Chilton’s second ever release. Despite her shorter discography, she is already able to craft intricate lyrics and a strong storyline. In this track, she shows her attention to detail and ability to put her exact feelings into words. She sings about the breakup and the fallout, how she was scaring herself just how heartbroken she was. She places the beginning in the winter, alone in an empty house with a glass of wine. With her emotive tone and descriptive words, you can almost see Chilton as she haunts through the town that used to be theirs, this time left on her own. The soundscape of this track is simplistic and calm, allowing Chilton’s strong voice and realistic lyrics to be the main focus. The track opens with her recounting her feelings during the breakup, how alone she felt and how much she missed her ex. However, in the chorus she reaches the consensus that she is over this heartbreak, maybe even kissing the cheek of someone new. She sings, “Hate washed over me, for months I couldn't sleep but hey, / I'm over it now / A dark lit alley way, a lifetime in the shade but hey, / I'm over it now”. My personal favorite part is the end of the song. Bringing her message home, the track ends with a repetition of the chorus, starting and ending with no instrumentals and simply Chilton’s voice. This isolation drives her lyrics right through, making sure the listener hears what she has to say- she is moving on fine, and regaining love for her life. A 25 year old singer songwriter based in Switzerland, Chilli Chilton is breaking her way into the music industry. She bases her music off of her own life scenarios, and finds the lyrics in her own feelings. She aims to write about “love, heartbreak, and “life's inevitable failures” and writes all of her own music. Her music being so raw and real is what makes listeners like her so much. Chilton does not sugar coat her feelings, and remains honest and true even when discussing upsetting matters like breakups. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from Chilli Chilton. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW CHILLI CHILTON: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

A canon event for queer individuals is falling for your best friend. "Love U More" by Toria Rainey can best be summed up with that. As a queer woman, the song's overall message is one that could not go unnoticed. Toria Rainey's lyricism creates an emotion-packed song that is conveyed perfectly to her listeners. Whether or not listeners can directly relate to the song's message, the lyrics allow them to understand a part of the queer experience Toria Rainey highlights. In general, falling in love is naturally a confusing, exciting, and honestly, scary experience for a lot of people. For queer people, these feelings are often intensified, with many questions or doubts swirling in mind. From my experience, the questions are not simply about attraction or "do they like me?", it shifts instead to "do they like someone of my gender?" The lyrics, "The circles you do with your hips / And your glitter-kissed skin / Sometimes I worry / 'Cause you seem to read my mind / I didn't wanna tell you / But I didn't wanna lie" perfectly shows the hidden yearning, but also the vulnerability and hesitance that comes with it. There is also an added worry of the friendship changing once you confess your love. The repetition of the lyric, "I can't afford to love you more / And that's a problem" seems like the conflicting internal thoughts of knowing you should let go of the feelings for them, but also not wanting to since your are in love and it doesn't just fade so easily. "Love U More" is an indie-pop song that conveys so many emotions with its sound. The song starts with a more mellow sound. The background instrumentals are immediately shown here, and it sets the tone for the song. As the song continues, the tempo builds until it reaches a peak at the chorus. The sound of the song takes a small shift here, with everything becoming more alive and upbeat. This part of the song builds excitement, and feels like the excitement you feel when in love or when you are around the person you love. The chorus is an explosion of emotions, with an upbeat sound and beautiful, fairy-like vocals from Rainey. When the song increases in tempo, it feels like you are soaring high with multiple feelings. While listening to the song, it feels extremely memorable in the way it is produced with all the music and vocals combined. Even when the song has highs during the chorus and becomes a bit faster paced, it never seems suddenly loud, but maintains this mellow, almost laidback sound that creates this sense of peace while listening. This sound throughout the song reminds me of unsaid feelings and whispered confessions. Toria Rainey is a Brooklyn-based singer. Rainey is known for her alternative-pop songs. Her music is as well-rounded as she is, covering a variety of topics. Her songs are all meaningful, bittersweet, and vulnerable. Her latest song, "Love U More," was released in 2025. "Love U More" follows her previous single, "Cowboy Song," which was also released in 2025. This song, similar to "Love U More" is honest and shows themes about self-identity and the queer experience. Toria Rainey is an authentic singer with a distinct and unique sound that makes her vulnerable, honest songs unforgettable. Written By Kyler Griggs FOLLOW ARTIST: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok | Facebook  | YouTube

Don't Click Play is the third and newest studio album from talented and famous popstar Ava Max , featuring songs about love, whether it's for oneself or for someone else. T R A C K L I S T Don't Click Play How Can I Dance Lovin Myself Sucks To Be My Ex Wet, Hot American Dream Take My Call Know Somebody Lost Your Faith Fight For Me Skin in the Game World's Smallest Violin Catch My Breath Ava Max is a music artist that broke into stardom and the music industry in 2018 with her singles "Not Your Barbie Girl" and "Sweet but Psycho". She grew up with a musical and performing background, as her parents were musicians as well. In 2020, she released her debut album Heaven & Hell . Three years later, in 2023, she released her sophomore album Diamonds & Dancefloors . She has now released her third album Don't Click Play . Don't Click Play Don’t Click Play  starts off with the title track, as Max fights against the critics in an upbeat power pop production, fused with dance and powerful bass drums. The majority of the lyrics are written in a sarcastic tone - because of the hate Max has received for her music, she’s telling a DJ that they shouldn’t play her music, even though she knows she makes amazing, original music that everyone likes and listens to. Listening to Max’s powerful singing voice throughout “Don’t Click Play” lets you know that this album will be full of her distinct and iconic vocals, which have captivated music lovers for years, and ensures that this will be another classic in her discography. How Can I Dance Max refuses to let anyone have control over her in “How Can I Dance”. She won’t let any man tell her what to do, how to feel, or feel constricted by them, whether she's in a relationship with them or not. Max is powerful and will do whatever she wants to do, and not listen to them tell her what to do. She sets her own rules and this will never change. The song begins with an introduction of more incredible and powerful vocals, arranged into harmonies that establish the overall message of “How Can I Dance”. Like the preceding track, the second track also has a fun and upbeat pop production, defined by the EDM synths you would hear at a raging nightclub. Lovin Myself In “Lovin Myself”, self-love radiates throughout the track, as Max expresses the love and admiration she has for herself. She takes the romantic things that could be shared in a relationship and applies them to herself, showing that she is a creative and talented songwriter. She doesn’t want to waste her time and energy on someone that could break her heart, and instead puts all of her focus on herself, because she knows she could never let herself down. Throughout the first and second parts of “Lovin Myself”, a bass-heavy production acts as the foreground for the overall sound. Towards the end of the song, that falls away to reveal a different style of production that still maintains the upbeat pop sound. Sucks To Be My Ex The lines “I’m in my villain era” and “What don’t kill you makes you hotter” can already tell you that this track is iconic. The themes of self-love from the previous track continue on in “Sucks To Be My Ex”, in addition to self-confidence. Max knows that when someone dates her, she is the best of the best and can’t be beat. So, if they were to break up, she knows that her ex won’t be able to do better than her. For instance, she is a multi-talented and famous superstar, who has been nominated for and won many music awards for her incredible albums and songs, and is recognized internationally as an incredible musician; it makes perfect sense for her to make a song like this. Wet, Hot American Dream It’s implied that Max is singing the lyrics of “Wet, Hot American Dream” to a romantic interest that isn’t from America. She includes iconic and notable things an American could possess in the lyrics, mostly lots of those that depict a southern lifestyle. The production of the song is upbeat, full of energy, and very inspired by 80s disco, like the music in the movies of the time, which were iconic in their display of American life, which is most likely what inspired the overall sound of “Wet, Hot American Dream”. Another notable feature in the song are Max’s adlibs that are heard throughout the chorus, alongside her incredible signing. Take My Call During the first verse, somewhat muffled production can be heard, although the consistent dance beats that have been heard throughout the album still manage to break through. Once the chorus hits, an infectious pop sound is heard, which Max is known for and is always amazing at creating. More fun 80’s and 90’s inspired synths fuel the core of “Take My Call” as Max sings about wanting to meet up with someone as soon as possible. She perfectly captures the feeling of having a new crush and wanting to see them all the time, so much so that you will go out of your way just to. Know Somebody In “Know Somebody”, Max explains what’s it’s liked to be betrayed by a former significant other. They most likely cheated on her and quickly moved on to someone else, which is mainly why she is so heartbroken. She is upset that she trusted this person, as they ended up betraying her trust instead of respecting it and being honest with her. The production reflects the melancholy vibes of “Know Somebody”, as it’s more toned down and has less summery production than the other tracks that came before it. It’s like this song is autumn, with its acoustic guitar chords and different sounding synths than the ones we have heard before. Lost Your Faith Max uses religious analogies to describe a breakup and loss of love in “Lost Your Faith”. She says that the effort put into the relationship she was in was one-sided, with her being the one who cared more about the relationship than her former significant other did. The relationship started off in a good place, but this drifted as time went on, and Max realized her partner was starting to care less and less about her and their relationship. This is when Max decided the relationship had to end, because she doesn’t want to be with someone who doesn’t appreciate her and she doesn’t feel connected to anymore. Fight For Me Learning from her former relationship from “Lost Your Faith”, Max now knows that before she commits to a new partner, she needs to make sure that they are worth committing to so that she doesn’t have to put in all the effort by herself again. They need to want to share putting in the effort that comes with any healthy and stable relationship. While the song’s production is still in the realm of pop, it definitely features an alternative sound as well, which makes “Fight For Me” distinct and one-of-a-kind in comparison to the other tracks, showing that the creativity in regards to the production for each song is fueled by attention to detail and uniqueness. Skin in the Game “Skin in the Game” details a relationship of toxic qualities that Max says she can’t seem to get out of. The lyrics go against those of previous tracks in the album, adding an element of there being a storyline in the album that connects each track to one another. The production is part of Max’s signature sound, combining a prominent bass guitar and powerful strings, which project an 80s inspired vibe throughout “Skin in the Game”. This is helped by Max’s amazing vocals, which are defined by strength and her ability to switch octaves easily. World's Smallest Violin To play the “world’s smallest violin” essentially is to not lose any sleep over someone’s sadness, which more often than not, stems from their own karma for doing wrong by you. Max doesn’t feel bad that her ex is sad they have broken up, because he didn’t treat her right during the relationship. She is not going to feel bad for someone that got what was coming for them. Like the title, violin strings are incorporated into the instrumentation and production of “World’s Smallest Violin”, and this makes sense because of Max’s known use for strings for many of her songs. Max never fails to be very creative and original when it comes to her music. Catch My Breath The final track of Don’t Click Play , “Catch My Breath” details the butterflies and overall rush of emotions you get when you know you’re starting to fall in love with someone. Like Max sings, she feels like she "can't catch [her] breath” because of these intense feelings. Throughout the song, she personifies these feelings as though she is driving in a fast car that she doesn’t want to slow down. This is a great conclusion to the album, as it effectively summarizes all of the tracks and matches the production that was consistent throughout the project. This is an incredible album that everyone should listen to. It features the iconic and signature sound that Ava Max is known for and became popular for, and for very good reason. Her vocals are incredible, which are supplemented by her impeccable songwriting skills. She brings to life to each song in different ways, including but not limited to her talented singing and flawless storytelling. The production is also amazing on each and every track. Don't Click Play is yet another fantastic album from Ava Max! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW AVA MAX: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Have you ever shared a special place near and dear to your heart with someone who you thought you could trust, and then it turned out you couldn't? And now when you go to what used to be your secret happy place, it's tainted with the hurtful memories of the person you brought there. "Hi You" by Julia Traser is a personal story just like this, about her grandparents' holiday home in Lake Como, Italy where she brought someone she loved and thought was different. It wasn't somewhere she had ever brought anyone before, so they had to have been special at the time. But like most good things, it had come to an end - and now everything in that house is just a memory. Filled with raw emotion, "Hi You" has a classic tone that fits the story well. The instrumentation is very string driven with ukulele, acoustic guitar, bass and a soft drum. The groove switches between bossa nova inspired and indie folk beats. I personally really love the way the acoustic guitar plays like a classical lead guitar. Julia Traser sings beautifully with heightened emotion and layers of background vocals to make the soundscape feel full and complete. Julia Traser is an Italian singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based out of Brighton, United Kingdom. She began her musical journey by singing and playing guitar, but soon discovered a love for the ukulele. She's inspired by artists like Dodie Clark , Sara Bareilles , KT Tunstall , and Jason Mraz , blending that authentic, bright-stringed sound and modern indie folk with heartfelt lyricism. She also loves to busk and perform live. "Hi You" is the leading single off of her upcoming debut album. There's still a lot more exciting things to come, so make sure to follow Julia below to keep up on her journey! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW JULIA: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Throw yourself into an intoxicating, thrilling modern romance with “Bye” by Midnight Til Morning. The members of Midnight Til Morning brilliantly execute a detailed romance that has a multitude of layers through “Bye”, all giving their own flair and perspective to each verse & chorus. The song begins slowly and is led by piano, leading you to almost believe that this could be a ballad. Yet, just past the first verse, “Bye” explodes both in emotion and sound. The song invokes feelings that remind you of a sensation such as experiencing your first love, all with the charm of old-school pop. Although consisting of several members, the overall story told throughout “Bye” sounds cohesive and as if it’s directly coming from one person. Discussing love and unapologetically showing love & want for another person, “Bye” is the kind of track that pop music has been craving and needs to continue to lead with.   Telling the story of a deep-rooted romance challenged by time & distance, Midnight Til Morning’s “Bye” reaches out to listeners from its opening line. “Tell me when you leave, you won’t take off that necklace,” indicates both a disheartening, commonly shared experience as well as the first clue to the meaning behind this song. Regardless of the status of this relationship, it’s clear from the opening line that the love in “Bye” is being held onto as much as possible, rather than being thrown away. This track describes realistic hurt while additionally not shying away from emotion and dedication – actions & things that do not happen often in romance. Similar to love songs from groups such as The Backstreet Boys, Big Time Rush, One Direction, etc., Midnight Til Morning succeeds in both comforting and providing somewhat of a fantasy for listeners. Details throughout “Bye” about places like Paris and the Midwest exemplify a world that’s, in a way, outside of our own, while additionally showing how a romance can look with application of adventure and commitment. Visuals of “Parisian lights” and an “8:20” flight evoke reminders of beloved, classic love songs while simultaneously taking listeners on a journey that feels as if they’re reflecting and daydreaming at the same time. Midnight Til Morning is a trans-Pacific pop rock band formed on the Netflix’s Building the Band . Australians Mason Watts (age 25) and Conor Smith (22) came into collaboration with Americans Shane Appell (22) and Zach Newbould (22) through blind auditions on the Netflix show. Upon leaving Building the Band, the group was signed by Australian music company Chugg Music. With only a few weeks having passed since the competition, the group met in Australia and spent around a month in the studio altogether. All coming from solo careers, the four members of the group now bring their own uniqueness and qualities to create a sound that mixes modern pop & rock anthems. In August 2025, they announced a 20-date world tour that is anticipated to continue to grow. Alongside Benson Boone, Amy Allen (Harry Styles, Sabrina Carpenter), and a creative team, Midnight Til Morning co-wrote their debut single, “Bye”, signaling the beginning of what’s to be a breakout year for the group. Written By Madison Spies FOLLOW MIDNIGHT TIL MORNING: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Does it ever feel like you're just completely alone in the world? The way you feel when you're around other people is dreadful, draining and so out of place that you wish you could just never go outside ever again. However, there is just one singular person that you don't mind. In fact, they make all of those horrible feelings go away. They make you feel understood, and life is just a little more enjoyable when they're by your side. "I HATE EVERYONE" by Empara Mi is a gorgeous ballad for all the anti-social, anxious misfits out there; but it's also a love song for those who can finally find there comfort and peace in that one person who doesn't make them feel so alone anymore. "I HATE EVERYONE" tugs at your heartstrings with its' heavily emotional, atmospheric and cinematic soundscape. Featuring the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra , strings and gentle drums fill the air while Empara Mi's self-produced, alt. pop elements add a modern groove. Empara Mi's voice is so rich and soulful; I'm not gonna lie, she sings so beautifully that by the end of the song I was getting tears in my eyes. "I HATE EVERYONE" builds dynamically and emotionally so perfectly, that you can't help but feel it deep in your chest. Empara Mi is an Irish, unconventional pop singer/songwriter and producer who has been singing for most of her life. She moved to London at the age of 15 to pursue her dreams in music, and released her first ever single, "Wanderlust" in 2016. However, it was 2020 when she released her debut album, "Suitcase Full of Sins" that she made her big break. The album accumulated over 40 million streams across all platforms and had tracks featured on Netflix . She went on to also have songs featured in major projects such as Transformers, Fortnite , Riviera, Dynasty and more. Empara Mi now has over 300,000 Spotify monthly listeners. "I HATE EVERYONE" is a single off of her new upcoming album, "Monsters & Masochist" which is set to release October 10th, 2025! Make sure to follow Empara Mi below and keep an eye out for what else is yet to come. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW EMPARA MI: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Part of the human experience is negative emotions. Without dark there cannot be light. Without the bad times there cannot be good. However, sometimes the negativity is overpowering. Sometimes it feels like you’re drowning and you have no way out. heavy on the heart. explores these raw emotions in the song “Pretty Pills”. In a beautiful combination of vulnerable lyrics and a driving instrumental, heavy on the heart. delves into the gritty reality of overpowering emotions and racing thoughts while simultaneously empowering audiences through it all. This is a song for anyone who has experienced codependency or struggled with mental health, as they will no doubt feel seen by the honesty in the lyrics. The song starts with a drum beat and rising synth before the powerful vocals enter with their moving message and haunting melodies. An electric guitar enters in the chorus and complements the vocals in their strength. This song has a lot of drive and it immediately catches the audiences’ attention. With such an emotionally moving message, the drums and guitar create the experience of having strong and overpowering emotions and struggling with mental health with seemingly no way out. This track transforms pain into beautifully polished instrumental and moving vocals, redefining personal empowerment in spite of the potential darkness that lies within all of us. heavy on the heart. is an alternative rock band from Long Island, New York. With their inspiration drawing from the golden age of 2000s emo, pop punk, and alternative rock, they hope to inspire nostalgia while creating something unique and new. The band was initially formed by Nikki Wilmes and Costas Themistocleous in 2021, later being joined by Nick Kolokathis and Andrew Nicolae in 2022. The band's identity lies in the beautifully vulnerable and emotional lyrics as seen in this song, as well as an explosive stage presence that can be seen in their live shows. Both of these components combine into one beautiful package that can be a safe place for their audiences to sit in their emotions or shout the words until their voices go hoarse.  Written By Victoria Fitzgerald FOLLOW HEAVY ON THE HEART.: Instagram   | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Ellise The PRETTY EVIL Tour via ellisestour.com Ellise’s latest album, PRETTY EVIL , is in my top 2 favorite albums of 2025, so far - and may honestly have earned its spot in my top 10 favorite albums of all time. The project has everything I need: vulnerable lyrics, morbid imagery, and dark beats. So, when she announced her first headlining tour, I knew I needed to purchase pre-sale tickets. Her show did not disappoint and was one of the most mesmerizing shows I have ever attended. From her stunning vocals to her magnetic stage presence, Ellise was a natural onstage and kept my attention from the very first note to the final encore. Ellise entering the stage to perform the opening track, "PRETTY." Ellise kicks off the show the same way she does the album: with the alluring track “PRETTY.” The song lulls the listener in with a lullaby before breaking into the energetic soundscape. Ellise opening both the album and the set with this track was ingenious, as it sets the complex emotional scene for the audience. Her innate ability to keep every person in the room completely engaged, hanging onto her every word, is admirable. I have been to a great number of concerts in my time, especially shows at small venues, but no one - other than big production stadium performers - has ever been able to astonish me in the way Ellise did. Despite it being her first headlining tour, the artist performed like a seasoned professional at the same level as the biggest names in music. One way Ellise proved her star power was her incredible stage presence. She utilized clever crowd work with eloquently spoken monologues and engaging sing-alongs. The show was not only live music, but a true performance. She gained eye contact with as many people as she could, if not every single person. Everyone in the crowd felt seen and appreciated, just like Ellise felt with us loving her songs. She shared before singing her two most vulnerable tracks, "feel better together" and "valentine," that the fans singing back the lyrics have changed the meaning to the songs. Many artists claim this; however, the authenticity behind Ellise's words was evident. Maybe it was the small, intimate venue, but I have never felt more touched by an artist's candor. Ellise performing "feel better together" and "valentine." Closing night being in Los Angeles, I expected one or two surprises. Further into the night, Ellise killed two birds with one stone. She surprised us by bringing out friend and fellow artist, Ella Boh , to sing their unreleased collaboration, "Die." The chemistry between the two artists was mystical as they performed the infectious new track, which they confirmed will be released "very soon." Ellise performing unreleased song, "Die," with Ella Boh. Ellise made the night even better by making the perfect decision for the supporting act. Ella Red warmed up the crowd with her electric personality, clever lyrics, and adorable homemade ballerina dress. From the moment she came on stage, the audience was energized. Her crowd work was infectious, making people laugh or cry at the right moment. It is rare to see an opener have as much charisma as the headliner, but Red brightly shined. By the time Ellise came on stage, the entire crowd was ecstatic and ready to scream every single lyric to PRETTY EVIL. Ella Red performing "Ball and Chain." Seeing Ellise bring this flawless project to life in person was the highlight of my year. Her unmistakable talent and down-to-earth yet ethereal presence make her one of the most desired performers to see live. From her hauntingly beautiful vocals to her vivid imagery, Ellise became one of my favorite artists after releasing PRETTY EVIL. While I have listened to her for years (dating back to me including her in my Halloween 2023 playlist ), this new project unlocked a new enthusiasm for her music. Being able to witness her magic in person is an honor, and if you ever get the opportunity to see her live, do not hesitate to jump on it. You will not regret it. To check out my album review of PRETTY EVIL, click here . Ellise performing "911." About Ellise Ellise  is a dark-pop singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles. She moved to the area at 17 to pursue her career. Since then, she has made incredible waves in the industry. In just her first year, she was selected for the UPROXX Uncharted series to work with producer Chris Seefried to craft her first single, “Break Down.” The same year, she was a finalist in the 2016 iHeartRadio  Rising Star Competition. In 2018, she released her debut EP, Can You Keep A Secret?  In 2021, she released her debut album, Chaotic. She has collaborated with artists such as Iggy Azalea, Savage Ga$p , and my personal favorite, Mothica , and DeathbyRomy , in a remix of Ellise’s song, “Soul Sucker.”  With two full-length albums and two EPs, Ellise is known best for her haunting dark-pop and Halloween-themed tracks that fuel the inner dark side of listeners. Follow her on all socials to stay up to date with new music and announcements! Written By Karlee Skipper Photos and Videos By Matthew Skipper* *Special shoutout to my husband, who took all the photos and videos so I could have the best time without worrying about capturing anything. Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.